Seb Coe Sees Huge Growth Potential for Athletics in Asia

IAAF Presidential Candidate Seb Coe believes that Asia has enormous untapped Athletics potential at elite level, in terms of driving grass roots participation and growing commercial backing and involvement. Speaking from Wuhan, China ahead of the Asian Athletics Championships, Coe also believes that the region’s leading technology companies should be more effectively targeted by the IAAF in order to ensure the Athletics family is utilising the very latest technology and techniques to promote the sport and attract new participants and fans.

Speaking from the 21st Asian Athletics Association Congress taking place today in Wuhan, Seb Coe said:

"Asia is a powerhouse on many levels and offers Athletics and the IAAF staggering potential. The region accounts for some 60% of the world’s youth population aged between 15 – 24 and has the maximum number of birth rates per continent. It also includes 4 of the top 10 fastest growing economies globally and is home to some of the world’s most innovative technology companies. It is no coincidence that the region accounts for approximately half of all social media users worldwide.

"These are powerful numbers. Most brands would naturally want to take full advantage of them and it is clear to me that this region has extraordinary potential to help grow our sport. Asia with its sophisticated technology capabilities, could enable us to reach new audiences in innovative and dynamic ways and I see every reason to look towards Asia to help secure a partnership with one of its world-leading companies in digital and social media."

Following his attendance at the Asian Athletics Championships, Seb Coe will then travel to Singapore for the 28th South East Asian Games staring on 5 June.

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