Athletics for All is a pilot project aimed at children of primary school age. It was launched in the 2nd school year 2024 by Kids of Africa and is now being continuously developed, adapted and optimized depending on what we experience on the field, what feedback we receive from students, teachers and coaches and what resources we can draw inspiration from, not least the IAAF Kids of Africa Athletics Concept. We welcome improvisation and lean towards a low-tech approach.
The aim of Athletics for All is to generate enthusiasm, curiosity and skills for athletics, for an entire primary school class. To do this, we develop a culture and skill base for athletics at this particular school.
Of course, the children also develop basic movement skills in running, jumping, throwing and catching. We introduce the pupils to different types of athletics and athletic disciplines. The children develop a love of community and sport. We promote a healthy lifestyle and healthy habits. And we develop social skills, teamwork and sportsmanship.
The children benefit from participating in such a program in many ways: they improve their physical fitness, coordination, self-confidence and self-esteem. They develop social skills and friendships and lay the foundation for lifelong physical activity and health.
Athletics for All is based on a capacity-building model in which an organized and well-equipped central center with expert coaches welcomes nearby schools that do not have the same favorable conditions. The program is offered every school year. Each school is offered one session per week. There is no cost for participation. The one-stop shop provides an age-appropriate, fun and student-friendly introduction to the fundamentals of athletics. We also offer a range of athletics-related activities, such as tire kicking and tire flipping.
The coaching team consists of a number of different profiles. Firstly, there is the performance center coach. He or she is responsible for management, planning, implementation, evaluation and documentation. Then there are athletes at national level. They are available to the older athletes in the lower school who belong to the Kids of Africa Athletics Club and pass on their experience and expertise. Then there are the teachers from the participating schools. Finally, there are the Kids of Africa volunteers who are passionate about sport and have good teaching skills.
We value a positive and inclusive environment. The coaches are enthusiastic, positive and encouraging, actively demonstrating the skills and exercises to the students and explaining safety precautions where necessary.
