London 2017 Unveils Global Sports Legacy for Young People

- LEAP 2017 - A global legacy creating a vibrant future for athletics across the globe -

London 2017 today revealed the international legacy programme that will be launched should the city win its bid to host the 2017 World Athletics Championships. LEAP 2017 is a global athletics development programme aimed at engaging two million children in athletics across 17 developing countries over four years.

Based on the success of London 2012’s International Inspiration project, which is on target to engage over 12 million children and young people in sport in 20 countries, LEAP 2017 is focused on strengthening the foundations of athletics worldwide and contributing to an even more diverse sport in the future. Working in partnership with Save the Children – the charity partner of London 2017 – LEAP will give children the opportunity to get involved in events around the globe.

President of the London 2017 bid, Seb Coe said: "In addition to creating a spectacular record-breaking event, the London 2017 Bid Team is determined that the 2017 IAAF World Championships will act as a catalyst for the continued development of our sport.

"At a time when fewer young people are participating in sport, LEAP 2017 will connect more young people around the world with the opportunity to experience, play and practice sport in their communities which in turn will help grow our sport."

"If we’re given the honour of hosting the 2017 IAAF World Championships in London we will work in partnership with the IAAF to deliver LEAP 2017 in support of their World Plan.

LEAP 2017 will be funded by guaranteed commitments from UK Sport and UK Athletics and supplemented by fundraising activity, and will build on the existing partnership between UK Sport and IAAF to develop international school and youth athletics projects.

LEAP 2017 will further develop athletics educational tools, help stimulate athletics in schools and communities worldwide; develop young people’s life and leadership skills through the medium of athletics; and create a positive image for the IAAF and its partners. Building on the success of Save the Children’s World Marathon Challenge, LEAP will empower young leaders to organise local athletics events in villages, towns and cities across the world.

Justin Forsyth, Chief Executive of Save the Children, said: "We are delighted to be the charity partner of London 2017 and believe LEAP can have a huge global impact. Save the Children is committed to help young people around the world fulfil their potential and to bring the world’s attention to the plight of children who face a daily struggle to survive . Community athletics activities as part of LEAP 2017 could provide a wonderful platform to achieve just that."

For more information, contact: james.mckeown@pitch.co.uk

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