London 2017 to Create Sports Legacy Program Aimed at Kids

London 2017 bid for the 2017 World Athletics Championship has already found a international legacy program, ‘LEAP 2017,’ to be launched should the city win the bid.

‘LEAP 2017’ is a global athletics development programme aimed at engaging two million children in athletics across 17 developing countries over four years.

This is coming after 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.

Lord Sebastian Coe, President of the London 2017 bid,  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 UK Sport and UK Athletics and supplemented by fundraising activity.

Justin Forsyth, chief executive of Save the Children, added: “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.”