President of World Athletics, Lord Sebastian Coe, has praised the Government of Ghana for its strong commitment towards the successful hosting of the 24th edition of the CAA African Athletics Championship, describing the country’s support as crucial to the growth of athletics on the continent.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the championship in Accra, Coe expressed gratitude to Ghanaian authorities for backing the event, which is scheduled to run from May 12 to May 17 at the University of Ghana Stadium. According to him, government support remains a key pillar in ensuring the development and success of athletics across Africa.
The World Athletics president also used the opportunity to call for increased youth participation in the sport.
He stressed the need for African countries to invest heavily in grassroots athletics programmes to nurture future champions and strengthen the continent’s presence on the global stage.
“We need to encourage more young people to venture into athletics,” Coe stated, while highlighting Uganda’s youth development structure as a model worth emulating.
He revealed that Uganda currently has over 37,000 children enrolled in athletics programmes, emphasizing that similar initiatives across Africa could transform the future of the sport.
Coe further noted that Africa has played a massive role in the growth of athletics over the past five decades and called for greater African representation at international competitions — not only through athletes, but also through coaches, officials and administrators.
Touching on recent international competitions, the World Athletics president described the latest World Relays Championship held in Botswana as the best edition ever staged, applauding the quality of organization and performances witnessed during the event.
The upcoming championship in Accra is expected to attract some of the continent’s top athletes as Ghana prepares to host one of Africa’s biggest athletics competitions.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/ Jones Adzi
