World Athletics Day is observed to raise awareness about sports among youth, in schools and institutions to promote athletics as the primary sport. And to introduce new talents and youngsters in the field of athletics. This article will take you on a journey to the history of World Athletics and will uncover the history, significance and when is World Athletics Day celebrated. So, without further ado, let’s begin!
But, before beginning our journey on World Athletics Day, let us throw light on when World Athletics Day is celebrated around the world.
When Is World Athletics Day – World Athletics Day-Date
Launched in 1996, in the hope to increase awareness about sports, especially athletics among the youth by the then International Amateur Athletics Federations, World Athletics Day is celebrated each year in May.
This year the World athletics day date falls on 7th May 2022. On this day, the then known International Amateur Athletics Federation was established under a social project, “Athletics For A Better World“.
History Of World Athletics Day
As we already know when World Athletics Day is, let us now shift our focus on the history of World Athletics Day and look at how the sacred day for sports enthusiasts was launched around the world!
The inauguration of World Athletics Day was first commemorated by the then IAAF President, Primo Neibolo in an attempt to increase social awareness among the youth about the social and health benefits of sports, especially athletics. Since then, each year World Athletics Day is organized by the World Athletics, formerly the IAAF in collaboration with various schools, colleges, and institutions to increase participation among the masses.
The Athletics Federation Of India (AFI), an active member of the World Athletics was established in the year of 1946. This national athletics body is responsible for organizing all the national championships and meetings, besides organizing the Grand Prix Series, IAAF- AFI kids athletics, and many more.
In the year 2001, the then International Amateur Athletics Federation was changed to International Association of Athletics Federations and again in 2019, the name was changed to World Athletics, which is still in use to date.
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Significance Of World Athletics Day – Celebrations Around The Globe
The essence of World Athletics Day is in its celebrations! On this day, schools and colleges organize different sports events, especially athletics such as running, jumping, shot put, javelin throw, etc which not only enhances our physical strength but also makes us mentally and emotionally fit. Various sports clubs also organize sports events and sports meets as well.
Though in the beginning, the IAAF was only interested in organizing the sports events in schools that were a part of the organization, in recent years it has expanded its mission to increase awareness about sports among other institutions as well. The IAAF believes that World Athletics Day should be organized every year to promote awareness about sports among the youth and increase their active participation.
World Athletics Day: Quotes
1. “I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. Twenty – six times I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” – Michael Jordan
2. “A trophy carries dust. Memories last forever.” – Mary Lou Retton
3. “One man practicing sportsmanship is far better than 50 preaching it.” – Knute Rockne
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Conclusion
Though World Athletics Day could not be celebrated during the past few years on account of rising cases of Covid – 19 pandemic, this year the World Athletics has announced that the celebration will be on! So, what are you waiting for? Go and take part in sports events and make the day worthwhile with your presence.
We hope that this article on when is World Athletics Day has increased your horizon of knowledge on the history of World Athletics Day and its significance.
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