Aviva, who has been supporting British Athletes since 1999, is offering Aviva Startrack sessions to give youngsters up and down the country the chance to try out athletics in a fun environment at no cost.
X Factor stars Jedward, who are backing the scheme, competed for their local club in Ireland on a regular basis before appearing on the talent contest.
Jedward said: ‘We used to run and compete all the time back in Ireland and we think it’s a great way to meet people and have a laugh’.
‘Aviva Startrack is awesome because it means anyone can give athletics a try - with trained coaches – to see if they like it. Our motto for this summer is: run, jump or throw, give athletics a go!’.
The free Aviva Startrack sessions are an addition to the seven grassroots programmes supported through the Aviva Athletics Academy.
Heather Smith, head of sponsorship at Aviva, commented: ‘Since our sponsorship of UKA began over a decade ago, we have helped millions of children get involved in grassroots athletics’.
‘We hope to create a long-term legacy for the sport, unearth potential champions of the future and also make sure our investment has a continuous impact where it is needed’.
Aviva Startrack was where world heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis was discovered.
Aviva Athletics Academy ambassador and Olympic medallist Iwan Thomas added: ‘Aviva Startrack is all about learning to enjoy our sport, discover new skills and have fun; I think it is really important that kids are involved in sport in a fun and engaging way’.
Published: 07/07/2011
Source: http://www.sportindustry.biz/news/view/10055/aviva-launches-free-athletics-for-kids
