Snachez and Devers at Kids Athletics in Berlin (© IAAF)
Bridging the gap between grass roots and the elite meetings of the IAAF Golden League is a challenge, but today, 60 girls and boys of the Anne Frank School in Berlin Mitte District, welcomed Gail Devers (USA) and Felix Sanchez (DOM) to a very special edition of IAAF Kids Athletics.
Kids Athletics, part of the IAAF Development Programme, aims to introduce children to the basic skills of athletics – running, jumping and throwing – but while maintaining a structured format of teams and points, also makes sure that the experience remains fun. As Winfried Vonstein (GER), the event manager explains: “the important thing is to get the kids involved and to help them love sport. Aside from the educational and health benefits, the programme encourages the 9-13 year-old age group to get more serious about athletics by joining traditional clubs. Kids Athletics should be their first step.”
The athletes – who were joined by Greg Foster, who won three World Championships 110m Hurdles events in 1983, 1987 and 1991, all volunteered to take part in the event. They seemed to relish the opportunity of giving something back to the sport, remaining with the kids for the full 2-hour session in blazing sunshine.
For the kids, the affection shown to them was reciprocated. Sirkka Schraeder, aged 11, and her teammates, Karoline Mielnik (11), Cansu Çevik (13) and Annabell Maske (12) bubbled with excitement as they talked about the event and the friendly attitude of the stars
“Everything was great today!” they chorused: “Normally we do gymnastics, but after today I think I might try athletics, “said Schrader: “There are so many different things in this sport. But the best thing about today was seeing the stars. Gail Devers was so nice! She talked to us and showed us how to do the different events. Both she and Felix Sanchez were very kind. I have their autographs now and will be really cheering for them from now on!”
For Devers, Kids Athletics left a serious impression. “I was really impressed today. There were lessons about speed and agility, but done in a way to keep the kids amused and happy. I really hope this programme can be started in the USA. It would work well over there.”
Mobbed by the youngsters as he finally left, Sanchez handed out autographed cards until there were none left to give out: “The enthusiasm of the kids is just great. It means a lot to be able to come here and mingle with them, talk to them about our sport, and make them want to try it themselves.”
But the last word comes from one of the mothers, watching her son completing the programme; “What a great idea this is! You really need to involve children and get them excited and this Kids Athletics really does that. But having the athletes here is even better. Before they were just images on the TV screen but now the kids will see them as living, breathing heroes who they can be like one day. Is Kids Athletics going to other schools in Germany?” and the happy answer is: not just in Germany but all over the world!
