Cook Islands win World Athletics’ Kids’ Athletics Day Member Federation Challenge

July 7, 2023

World Athletics has advised that the Cook Islands have been selected as winners of the Kids’ Athletics Day Member Federation Challenge following their eight-day program of activities throughout May.

Around the world, more than 300,000 children across all six continental areas participated in events to mark Kids' Athletics Day - a global day dedicated to celebrating children and young people being active by participating in athletics.

Member federations were encouraged to participate in the Kids’ Athletics Day Challenge, with the organiser of the best Kids’ Athletics Day activation - measured by a combination of participation rates, social media engagement levels and overall innovation- receiving the prize of a US$10,000 one-off award to be used to promote and activate Kids’ Athletics (or an equivalent youth activity) in their country.

Of the 106 member federations that held events, Cook Islands were selected as winners.

On six of their 12 inhabited islands, they held ‘Give it a Go’ Kids' Athletics circuit events in May, covering the basic skills of running jumping and throwing. They also gave each island suggestions of what equipment can be used based on what is available on their island. Almost 500 children - which roughly translates to 10% of the entire child population of the Cook Islands - took part in the events.

A statement from Athletics Cook Islands advised “it was a great success to see so many kids get involved who don’t normally participate.

“We're looking forward to using this momentum and the additional training from Oceania Kids’ Athletics ‘Train the Trainer’ workshop held in May to strengthen our Kids' Athletics programme across the country.”

Estonia and Bolivia were selected as runners-up in the challenge.

Kids’ Athletics Day is the cornerstone of World Athletics’ Kids’ Athletics initiative - a free program that uses the power of athletics to inspire children and young people, wherever they are, to be more active, develop their skills and confidence, and to connect with sport for life.

Member federations, clubs and schools can get involved with the Kids’ Athletics programme at any time of year - not just on Kids’ Athletics Day.

Click here for more information.

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