Seville 1999 - Men's 400m final Michael Johnson celebrates his 43.18 World 400m record victory (© Getty Images)
MonteCarloThe third IAAF World Youth Championships which will take place in Sherbrooke, Canada from 9 to 13 July will give 658 boys and 591 girls from 179 countries their first chance to represent their nation on a world stage.
But the great show of athletics will start even before the Championships open next Wednesday as a unique clinic – called “This is Athletics” takes place in Sherbrooke from 7 to 9 July.
Michael Johnson, the 1996 Olympic 200m/400m champion and world record holder at both events, joins a host of other stars including Edwin Moses, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Bruny Surin and Glenroy Gilbert, who will act as special hosts of “This is Athletics”.
“I am very pleased to see that Michael Johnson, has joined many other stars of our sport, and will support the IAAF’s latest promotional activity. When the IAAF agreed to introduce the IAAF World Youth Championships back in 1999, the aim was not simply to provide a new, and very specific competition opportunity for under 18 year-old athletes, but to help promote the sport of athletics as an attractive and useful pastime for young people. In the face of increasing competition not only from new and dynamic sports, but also from other leisure activities, the sport of athletics must constantly seek ways to inform, educate and entertain people,” said IAAF President Lamine Diack.
“This is Athletics” will be an interactive experience and as well as learning basic skills, the young participants will have the opportunity to mix with their peers, from every corner of the world, and also get the chance to gain valuable insights from some of the sport’s legends.
The Clinic will also offer some Cultural and Tourist activities and give the young athletes an opportunity to learn about the riches of this marvellous region of Quebec.
IAAF