European Athletics and the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation (RFEA) are inviting members of the athletics community in Europe to learn about the development of Dynamic New Athletics and discuss the best ways for the format to be rolled out in the coming years by taking part in an online conference on 13 and 14 October.
Entitled Team Athletics: The Sport’s New Offer and free of charge to all those who register in advance, the conference is aimed at athletes, coaches, club and school leaders and anyone else interested in understanding the potential of DNA to bring added energy to all levels of the sport.
European Athletics Vice President Libor Varhanik, who leads the DNA steering group, explained that the conference will be a unique opportunity to contribute views on how DNA and classical athletics can work in parallel to increase participation levels and appeal to younger, device-oriented audiences in the 21st century.
“We appreciate the support of many partners, like the European Olympic Committees, the European Commission, local organising committees and, of course, the RFEA, for our efforts over nearly five years to design and test various aspects of this innovative concept, which we are convinced can bring new value to all levels of the performance pyramid,” said Varhanik.
“Now is the time for those who really make our sport happen on a day-to-day basis to have their say and tell us what they want to see," he added.
RFEA president and European Athletics Council member Raul Chapado said his federation was proud to co-host conference as it reflects the major role it has played by creating a version of DNA for schools, a DNA smartphone app and co-hosting this week’s European DNA U20 Clubs event in Castellón as parts of the European Union-funded Jungle Athletics project.
“From elite performers down to club level and school children, Spanish athletes and coaches really enjoy and get a lot out of DNA, so we think it is important to share the concept with the rest of Europe,” he commented.
The conference programme will comprise the following two sessions:
- Thursday 13 October (14:00-16:00 CET) – The Jungle Athletics Project & National DNA Programmes
- Friday 14 October (14:00-16:00 CET) – The DNA Project: Roadmap for the future
In addition to members of the DNA project team, the line-up of speakers and panellists will include athletes, coaches, event organisers, app designers, broadcasters and social media influencers.
You can book your place by registering at the following link and ticking all the boxes to receive relevant information about the conference and other European Athletics activities:
https://rfeaevents.es/team-athletics/register
A detailed programme, including speakers, will soon be available via the European Athletics website www.european-athletics.com and www.dna.run.