Athletics Unites Us Photobook 2015

ATHLETICS UNITES US

INTRO

The last year have been among the most enjoyable and enriching of my life in athletics.

The reason is simple. As I have travelled the world I have met so many wonderful people, made new friends and caught up with old ones.

So many of you gave your time and shared your expertise and insight to help me formulate my programe for the Presidency of the IAAF and I am truly grateful to each and every one of you.

This album is a personal mark of my appreciation.

It is a photographic record of my journeys and of many of the memorable moments I have shared with National Federations’ officials, athletes, volunteers and the other members of the worldwide family which is the underlying strength of athletics.

During a schedule which has taken me from Cali to Kuala Lumpur and to many places in between, my meetings and discussions have strengthened

my belief that athletics can only ever be as strong as its National Federations and that the key role of the IAAF is to provide the service, support and resource they need to operate effectively to promote and manage our sport in their countries and produce the next generation of world-class athletes.

It also reminded me that no two countries are alike. Each has different concerns and different needs and requires different things from the IAAF. That’s why I am committed to creating individual development plans for National Federations among other initiatives to help the amazing people in athletics around the world.

This is a crucial time for athletics and the next President has a big job to do. But the fact is that it cannot be done from the top down; the future of athletics is in all of our hands and not just those of the President.

My pledge is to be a wholly committed full-time President working in constant collaboration with the National Federations which are the heartbeat of our sport. I have a clear vision for the future of our sport in which athletics re-engages with young people and becomes an even more powerful and attractive global sport. It is a future in which a new generation of stars enthralls spectators in packed stadiums and millions more around the world on televison and which attracts the world’s biggest and best companies as sponsors.

My motivation for becoming IAAF President is to make that vision a reality but I am very aware that we will only acheive that by working together as every successful family does.

So let’s work together to take athletics to new heights.

ASIA

• • • • • • •

November 2014. Singapore August 2014. Nanjing, China April 2015. Jakarta, Indonesia March 2015. Taipei May 2015. Doha, Qatar June 2015. Nepal June 2015. Wuhan, China

August 2014.

Nanjing, China II SUMMER YOUTH OLYMPIC GAMES

Asia is growing fast in many areas – including sport. Nanjing 2014 organized a marvelous Youth Olympics with world class stars like Liu Xiang promoting athletics and a strong education program which is so important for the young athletes.

For me education is one of the key pillars of my ‘Take Athletics to the New Heights’ program. It is a cornerstone of growth and excellence in sport. So many new wonderful technologies are at our disposal to deliver knowledge to young athletes.

We must teach them throughout their careers using traditional education and specialized programs including online courses. Education of the athletes’ entourage is crucial as well. If elected I pledge to create scholarships for NF representatives and entourage, ensuring further internships within the IAAF, Area Associations and NFs.

April 2015.

Jakarta, Indonesia

March 2015.

Taipei

80TH ASIAN ATHLETICS ASSOCIATION COUNCIL MEETING

NEW TAIPEI CITY WAN JIN SHI MARATHON

Let me share what I’ve seen at the AAA Council meeting in Indonesian capital.

Amazing New Taipei City marathon and the whole atmosphere around the event. Running is the easiest way for youth to come up with athletics.

I have seen the future of our sport.

I have seen full commitment of the National Federations to the idea of the development of sport, of youth involvement, of building new training and competition facilities. Asia is diverse but my dear colleague Dahlan Al Khamad manages this diversity well.

What we must follow if the idea of individual approach to every federation’s needs. The IAAF must regard the Member federations as the core of our sport.

I am happy to have many friends and colleagues within National Federations who are committed to help road running grow in their countries.

Every city and town should host marathons or any other road running events at least once a year.

I pledge to give full every possible support to road running if elected as IAAF President.

June 2015.

Nepal AFTER THE DEVASTATING EARTHQUAKE

True drama for the small country. I have seen horrifying devastations, destroyed homes and infrastructure. I’ve seen that people live at the Dasarath Stadium – in tents right on the pitch, because they do not have a place to live.

But I have also seen courage in the eyes of those people – local athletes, coaches and officials.

They are ready to continue to practice sport, to train, to compete and to win.

The IAAF and the Athletics family must without any doubt help the athletes from Nepal. If elected as IAAF President I pledge to do everything I can to find possibilities and construct new athletics facility in Kamandu.

November 2014 SINGAPORE

May, 2015.

Doha, Qatar DIAMOND LEAGUE MEETING

I have special feelings about Singapore because I was a Chair of IOC Coordination Commission for the first Youth Olympics here in 2010 – one of the most optimistic and exciting events I’ve ever experienced.

The reason of the visit to Singapore in November 2014 was to take part in a South East Asian sports summit. There was great gathering with very effective discussion. We talked about the idea to join efforts and develop specific sports’ disciplines in specific countries.

It means that jumping prospects from every country in the region will have their training facilities, for example, in Malaysia, while the best middle and long distance runners would be sent to, for instance, Singapore. I like the idea – it could help the development of sport and establish closer cooperation between nations.

I became even more optimistic about the future of athletics in the region when I attended athletics competitions at the Singapore National Games.

Those athletes do not aim to become world champions – but they are no less passionate than sport’s super stars! Also thanks to the organizers for the opportunity to do some training between the meetings!

These first meets of the season are always special. The tradition to start the DL series at Qatar SC Stadium in Doha is amazing as the organization is always perfect and the level of performance is always very high. In May 2015 we witnessed 11 World Leads!

Doha is becoming one of the world’s capitals of sport. The city will be the world’s capital of athletics in 2019, but in 2015 the famous stadium hosted inaugural Asian Youth Athletics championships.

Thanks Doha and Qatar for the continuous efforts to develop the sport of athletics. The efforts which must certainly be supported by the IAAF.

June 2015.

Wuhan, China THE XXI ASIAN ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Since 2007 every second IAAF World Championship has been hosted by Asia. The continent develops rapidly in terms of both athletics performance, coaching, infrastructure, and legacy. The Asian Championships in Wuhan, as well as one-day meets, including Diamond League meets, reveal significant growth of Asian athletes’ performance. The legacy of hosting lots of world class events gives clear results.

Wuhan 2015 was true success, as well as the athletics competitions at the 2014 Asian Games at the Incheon, Korea, demonstrating huge potential in athletics.

Asia obviously deserves to host more IAAF events and the continent’s National Federations can receive support from the athletics world governing body, including both financial support and exchange of knowledge and coaching technologies with world best experts.

June 2015.

Wuhan, China

April 2015.

Beijing, China

THE XXI ASIAN ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS

IAAF COUNCIL

Beijing meeting was truly inspiring!

Despite busy schedule the expectation of the great athletics celebration in August 2015 were amazing. I would like to thank the LOC of Beijing 2015 even before the event has started – I know what a great job has been done in the recent years to prepare for the IAAF World Championships.

AFRICA

• • • •

August and September 2014. Marrakech, Morocco March 2015. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia April 2015. Mauritius October 2015. Algeria

August and September 2014.

Marrakech, Morocco

December 2014.

Cairo, Egypt

AFRICAN ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS & IAAF CONTINENTAL CUP

DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY SEMINAR AT IAAF REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT CENTER

The beautiful ‘Red City’ of Marrakech is one of the athletics capitals of Africa. In 2014 it hosted the continent’s two biggest athletics events – the African Championships with CAA Congress and IAAF Continental Cup. Both were great moments for me.

Athletes performed at a very high level both in August and September while I’ve got opportunities to meet my friends and colleagues from the Athletics family, to share my thoughts and discuss the future of the sport.

The athletics traditions and expertise of Marrakech prove that Africa’s potential for athletics is huge both in terms of sport organization and hosting the events. It proves that African athletics is fast growing, it needs support for its development, and the time has come for Africa to host flagship IAAF events – World Championships.

The IAAF Regional Development Center is the best place to meet with colleagues to talk about the future of our sport. Both RDCs and High Performance Training Centers are fundamental for the development and exchange of knowledge and experience between coaches and experts. The IAAF RDC in Cairo is doing great job providing opportunities for athletes to grow.

If I elected RDCs and HPTCs will have maximum support for what they are doing for our sport.

March 2015.

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 12TH AFRICAN JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP AND AFRICAN ATHLETICS CONGRESS

You can never administrate your sport well if you do not come to people who are the core of athletics. The people who organize sport, who train the athletes, and who run the competitions. I was so happy to attend Addis Ababa earlier this spring to watch the continent’s junior stars, to take part in the CAA Congress and to listen people’s concerns. Every conversation is a huge useful experience for me.

Every issue will be included in Vision 2025 – the fullest global review of athletics ever. We will take our sport to the new heights together.

March 2015.

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 12TH AFRICAN JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP AND AFRICAN ATHLETICS CONGRESS

April 2015, Mauritius.

2ND YOUTH AFRICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

For most of the COCAD participants it was first international event of their lives. For some teams it was not easy to cover the travel costs.

And it was absolutely amazing event with young athletes and their coaches experiencing the most exciting days ever. I would like to thank CAA President Colonel Hamad Calcaba and his colleagues for this unique opportunity to help future sports stars to compete at the international level.

But I would also like to thank Mr Calcaba and African NFs Presidents for our discussions about the role of the IAAF for the future growth of athletics in Africa. I am happy we speak the same languages. Africa must gain more support to organize youth and junior continental events.

Africa needs more support and education, more athletics experts and coaches, more resources to develop infrastructure. We do not need any proof that the continent has enormous potential for our sport. I pledge I will make my best to help Africa to fulfil it.

October 2014 ALGERIA

Seminar for Secretary Generals from African National Olympic Committees (ANOCA).

The warmest welcome and very useful discussion on the effective management of sport. I had a chance to deliver my vision and to listen and study experience of different countries. Great meeting with ANOCA President Lassana Palenfo and many colleagues from National Federations. Thanks for this time, my friends!

AMERICAS

• • • • •

November 2014. Bogota-Cali, Columbia November 2014. Mexico February 2015. Brazil April 2015. Saint Kitts and Nevis July 2015. Cali, Colombia

November 2014.

Columbia BOGOTA-CALI

A promotional tour to the host country of the IAAF Youth championships, for me I was delighted to be visiting good friends who are passionate friends of athletics.

Cali and Columbia was preparing to host first ever IAAF World Championships in South America. Roberto Gesta de Melo, CONSUDATLE President, is doing his best to promote our sport and involve kids. Dozens of young athletes attended the presentation at the Estadio Olimpico Pascual Guerrero, the future venue of the Championships. We had effective discussions at the development seminar, and the launch of brand new HPTC in Cali, the capital of Colombian sport.

Eight months before the opening of the IAAF Youth Championships I knew it will leave comprehensive legacy for this sport crazy country and for the continent.

November 2014.

Mexico

February 2015.

Brasil

VERACRUZ 2014

MANAUS

While Rio will be the heart of the 2016 Summer Games I felt in winter 2015 that Olympic atmosphere all over the country.

We inspected venues and other infrastructure with the visit of the IOC Coordination Commission discussing very serious issues. It was a serious job. But what I felt is that Rio 2016 legacy is already here.

The Central American and Caribbean Games – one of the oldest competitions in both Americas. Athletics has great traditions at the Games but it also has promising future. Almost 500 athletes from 31 nations competed in Veracruz 2014. Fourteen new Games records were set! And – what an atmosphere! I had a chance to witness race walking competitions – a highlight for every Mexican athletics fan.

I will never forget those emotions!

I have no doubt that athletics competition at the Joao Havelange Stadium will influence a much wider audience than those who attend the sessions. Rio 2016 will provide a powerful boost to athletics all over South and Central America. It inspires young athletes. I’ve seen their enthusiasm when I provided a workshop with my colleague and friend Nawal El Moutawakel at the training camp in Rio. I pledge to do everything possible to help young athletes to make their dreams come true. And I know I can count on my colleagues from the National Federations who are the core of our sport.

January 2015.

Brasil MANAUS

April 2015.

Saint Kitts and Nevis THE CARIFTA GAMES

You don’t necessary have to be at the Olympic Games to feel the taste of the Olympics. CARIFTA Games inspired me a lot proving again that we have to support every international event at every level if they provide the future athletics stars to perform.

I would like to thank again to my friends and colleagues from Caribbean National Federations who are doing great job to prepare and bring future sports stars to the CARIFTA Games. Here future Usain Bolts and Merlene Otties make their first step to glory while many other kids become successful in other areas of life due to sport.

May 2015.

Nassau, Bahamas.

IAAF WORLD RELAYS

Fantastic competition with amazing spectators’ support!

Great performance and great atmosphere at the second edition of very promising project! IAAF World Relays 2015 proved the idea is viable for the decades ahead. I am grateful to organizers and colleagues from our Athletics family for great time and effective discussion about our sport’s future.

The IAAF must assure the World Relays to grow, and more Member Federations to have opportunity to prepare and send their teams to the competitions.

There was some local ethnic favour as well. Bahamas welcomed lots of friends and colleagues from all over the world. Our sport is global and truly diverse, but Athletics unites us at any part of the planet.

July 2015.

Cali, Colombia IAAF YOUTH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

These were seven days when I felt younger and happier than ever. Not only me. I think that all my colleagues from the IAAF, Area Associations and National Federations felt the same.

Why? It is simple. No one could remain sad when seeing hundreds of world’s best young athletes, the future super stars, but kids now. They smile, they play, they surf the web staring at their smartphones, they compete, they win and lose, they are happy and sad and happy again. They generate so many emotions and have so much energy of life. That energy charges you and inspires you to work for them even more to ensure they have all the opportunities to grow as athletes, to perform and be happy and successful.

Lots of memories from Cali 2015.

Meeting great athletes Alberto Juantarena, John Carlos, Bob Beamon, Robert Emmiyan, and many others at the stadium. Discussing the future of our sport at the IAAF Development Commission meeting and greeting President Diack on his 40th Jubilee in the IAAF. Visit to the brand new IAAF High Performance training center – a place where young stars will grow up.

Nelson Mandela day celebration.

Great story of sportsmanship from Tom-Linus Humann and the German team.

They lent the poles to their opponent from Ukraine and then supported one when he won a silver medal with PB and CR. And the final day. Hundreds of young athletes and their coaches at the pitch celebrating their first World Championships. And hopefully celebrating their future.

July 2015.

Cali, Colombia IAAF YOUTH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

August 2015.

San Jose, Costa Rica NACAC SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS For me as IAAF Vice President 2nd NACAC Senior championships means breakthrough of athletics in the region of North, Central America and Caribbean. The inaugural event was hosted by El Salvador in 2007 – eight years ago. The region certainly needed its continental championships as the athletics potential of the NACAC member countries is huge and well known.

I was truly inspired by the competitions, atmosphere and the morale of athletes at the Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica. And I was amazed by the efforts of organizers, Viktor Lopez and his great team, as well as all Member Federations who participate!

You’ve fantastic job, my friends!

The IAAF must certainly be supportive of NACAC Championships to be held on regular basis. We must do everything possible in terms of organization, event management, as well as funding and marketing programs for the Championships itself and for the federations who need it. We must cooperate with local authorities and media to ensure the main NACAC event is treated and gain support as the region’s top athletics event. If elected as the IAAF president I pledge to make my best helping NACAC to manage the Championships as the top region’s sport event.

August 2015.

San Jose, Costa Rica NACAC SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS

EUROPE

• • • • • • •

June 2014 and July 2015. Paris, France July 2014. Glasgow, Great Britain September 2014. Ljubljana, Slovenia October 2014. Burgas, Bulgaria.

December 2014. Split, Croatia January 2015. Israel March 2015. Prague, Czech Republic

• • • • • • •

April 2015. Slovenia May 2015, Vilnius, Lithuania June 2015. Stara Zagora, Bulgaria June 2015. Baku, Azerbaijan July 2015. Tbilisi, Georgia May 2017. Riga, Latvia GALA

July 2014.

Glasgow, Great Britain

September 2014.

Ljubljana, Slovenia.

XX COMMONWEALTH GAMES

BALKANATION MEETING

Fantastic atmosphere at Hampden Park in Glasgow! Commonwealth Games’ athletics competitions were one of the best organized events featuring first class starts in most disciplines. The IAAF has to cooperate close with CGF to exchange experience and provide the best possible athletics competitions at the Games.

The pledge to support and promote regional competitions is well placed in my ‘Taking Athletics to the New Heights’ program. The Balkanation meeting is proof that I am right.

It’s great initiative which gathers together athletes, fans, officials, coaches, and partners from the region. I am sure we need and we will have more competitions of this format all over the world.

October 2014.

Bulgaria BURGAS

Happy to see one more indoor arena will soon appear. Bulgarian Federation is eager to bid for 2019 European Indoor Championships. I wish them good luck and hope new venue will serve athletics as well as other sports for many years ahead.

December 2014.

Croatia SPLIT

January 2015.

ISRAEL

Tiberias Marathon in Israel.

Splendid historical scenery and thousands of enthusiastic people happy and healthy to run.Thanks to Israel Athletics Association for the support of a great initiative.

One more athletics training facility will appear in Split, Croatia, host city of 2010 IAAF Continental Cup. I am sure ‘Ruža Hrvatska’ – ‘The Rose of Croatia’ will host not only local athletes but also international ones. The climate and the conditions seem perfect for preparation. Thanks Croatian Federation and everybody involved.

Every athletics facility is a step forward for the development of our sport.

Road racing events are always so inspiring even if you are not participating yourself. It is the future of our sport, for sure.

Every city and town should host marathons or any other road running events at least once a year.

I pledge to give full every possible support to road running if elected as IAAF President.

I was also happy to visit my fellow ex-pole vaulter Alex Averbukh who cooperates closely with Neurim Training Center sharing his knowledge of sport.

March 2015.

Prague, Czech Republic EUROPEAN ATHLETICS INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS

The highlight of the indoor season and the place where you meet friends everywhere at the venue.

I was so happy to see the arena sold-out. Well-done Prague – and looking forward to see everybody in 2017 in Belgrade!

April 2015 SLOVENIA

Slovenia hosted the year’s milestone meeting for European Athletics. New EAA President Svein Arne Hansen was elected to replace Hansjorg Wirz. The EAA Congress has also become a good occasion to deliver my vision of the future of athletics to my colleagues from the European National Federations – and receive effective feedback from them.

I had also great opportunity to discuss the business side of sport sharing my experience and my knowledge of sport marketing practices in different parts of the world.

There was also ‘Hammer trip’ – I was invited to an amazing sport school arranged by legendary Primos Kozmus. The hammer throwing Olympic champion is doing an incredible job to support the school and young athletes.

What a great commitment from a true role model athlete! We also discussed the status of his sport – ancient hammer throw. My vision is clear – all athletics disciplines should be treated equally!

April 2015 SLOVENIA

May 2015.

Lithuania

June 2015.

Stara Zagora, Bulgaria

VILNIUS

EUROPEAN TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS II LEAGUE

Vilnius was the city where I set my first world record – it was indoor 5-81 successful attempt in January 1984. I was so happy to visit that hall again along with my friends. I also had a chance to visit the site of the future track-and-field venue.

My clear vision – every Member Federation must have at least one up-to-date athletics facility for competitions and practice. No compromise about that.

Team competitions in athletics are always exciting. The most important is that every nation participates, so for many athletes European Team Championships provides unique chances to perform at the international level. My objective is to transfer this format to other continents.

June 2015.

Baku, Azerbaijan THE FIRST EUROPEAN GAMES

The inaugural European Games and the host city of Baku provided fantastic backdrop for the greatest sport gathering ever in this region. Fantastic competitions at the Games venues along with Street Athletics events held at the beautiful Fountains Square are one of the highlights of summer 2015.

I give credit to the organizers of the events, administrators, government, and certainly athletes who contributed to the celebration of sport.

No doubt Baku is on its way to become one of the greatest sport cities on the planet.

June 2015.

Baku, Azerbaijan THE FIRST EUROPEAN GAMES

June 2014 and July 2015.

Paris, France DIAMOND LEAGUE MEETING

Paris is always elegant in everything – architecture, lifestyle, promotion of athletics. I remember the fantastic promotional event of the Diamond League meeting at the Trocadero in 2014.

In 2015 the day of the event was no less impressive. I met so many friends at the Stade de France but before that I had nice interview for Super Sport and nice discussion with journalists at the media lunch.

May 2015.

Latvia RIGA

It was a short stay in Riga but I don’t think I will ever forget it.

I took part in the warm-up for young athletes organized by the National Federation attending youth competitions afterwards.

What excitement! And my deep respect to my colleagues and friends who care about the future generations’ health and way of life.

July 2015.

Tbilisi, Georgia EUROPEAN YOUTH OLYMPIC FESTIVAL

Very thrilling day for me at the European Youth Olympic Festival. I made a long-awaited presentation of the books I worked on with my colleagues for the last couple of years. My graphic biography ‘Flying Bubka’ is aimed at the young readers while the ‘Track&Field Encyclopedia’ folio would be useful for every sport fan, athlete, and coach.

Thanks EOC President Patrick Hickey, my colleagues from Tbilisi LOC and National Federations for sharing the momentum with me.

GALA There is time to work hard preparing for the season. There is time to compete and win the medals. But there is also time to celebrate athletes’ achievement.

Gala shows – continental AND national or international, like IAAF Gala in Monaco, always end the season providing an opportunity to award all those who contribute to our great sport. I had an honour to visit several galas this winter – European Gala in Baku, Slovakia, Poland.

The L’Equipe Champion des Champions ceremony was very special for me as I had a chance to award Renaud Lavillenie who broke my record in December 2014. I was twice awarded Champion des Champions Mondiaux – in 1985 and 1997. So I hope it was not the last award for Renaud as well.

The most prominent Gala – in Monaco – was a celebration for Doha, Nairobi and Ostrava, as the Gala itself was preceded by the IAAF Council which gave the right to host, respectively, 2019 IAAF World Championships, 2017 IAAF World Youth Championships, and 2018 IAAF Continental Cup. I pledge to make the IAAF Athletics Gala a celebration for all of Athletics for every National Federation. Awards will celebrate the achievements of Member Federations in areas including grass roots programs, use of websites and marketing.

There will be regional awards to celebrate regional heroes and I intend to offer grants as prizes for some awards where the funding would have greatest impact.

OCEANIA

• May 2015. Cairns, Australia

May 2015.

Cairns, Australia OCEANIA ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS

The continental championship in Cairns was very well organized and has become fantastic demonstration of the global diversity of our sport. Every team, even the smallest one, was inspired and totally committed to athletics and to making their best at the field of play.

As a Chair of the IAAF Development Commission, I know a lot has been done to create opportunities for athletics in Oceania, but the IAAF should use a more global approach.

Every National Federation should have a modern synthetic track and equipment. There can be no compromise about that.

National Federations need financial support for promotion and development of the sport – this is an issue of special importance for many Member Federations in Oceania. We should also work out individual development plans for every National Federation and find all possible resources to bring these plans to life.

ATHLETICS. THE FUTURE

This part concludes the album – not as a finish line but as a doorway to the future of our sport.

In fact, everything we strive for has one global cause. We want to ensure our future generations are healthy, proactive, successful and happy. We can do it through involvement of youth to our sport at every level – as future pro athletes, as well as amateur competitors and sport fans.

I strongly believe that youth participation in athletics is an effective tool to create positive global change in peoples’ lives. We must use the power of Athletics positively encouraging the participation of children. Huge steps were taken previously due to the unique ‘IAAF Kids Athletics’ program initiated by President Lamine Diack. I had lots of opportunities to observe how children react to it. I even had a chance to compete with very young athletes during 2015 World Athletics

Day – you can see it in pictures. My strong belief is that we must develop and expand ‘IAAF Kids Athletics’ all over the world and make it accessible to every Federation providing the number of ‘Kids Athletics’ bags our NFs need.

We must also take care about young athletes’ education in all aspects from the sport’s history to nutrition and training programs. The digital world provides us with lots of options to reach our young target audience so we have to use more social media and online resources to bring them to our sport.

We need more youth competitions on Continental and regional levels – to create the possibilities for our future stars to compete and win.

We must involve star athletes to become role models for youth from their communities and

involve them in sport.

We have to provide young athletes with possibilities to improve and grow in training camps with top athletes to demonstrate the positive impact of Athletics.

We must use Athletics as a tool to engage children in sports and provide an alternative to the life on the streets and exposure to drugs and alcohol. It is my vision to work closely with NGOs and charity organizations and use their experience and financial support to establish a set of programs to create sports boarding schools for at-risk children.

Lots of work ahead – and I am happy to know that my colleagues from many National Federations share my thoughts. If elected I pledge to work tirelessly to help Athletics to make next the steps for engagement of youth. The future of our sport!

Taking Athletics to New Heights www.athletics2015.org Twitter: @sergey_bubka