Athletics Australia has applauded World Athletics on their unprecedented campaign to gather feedback and set the future strategy for athletics across the world.

The campaign, named ‘Global Conversation for the Future of Athletics’ offers the opportunity for all those with an active interest in the sport to share their opinion on the steps that need to be taken by World Athletics and its 214 Member Federations, including Athletics Australia.

The result of the feedback, once compiled, will be the establishment of the World Plan for World Athletics 2022-30, which will set out the roadmap for the growth and development of athletics during this eight-year period.

For Athletics Australia, the outreach campaign offers a unique opportunity to find key areas of growth for the sport in Australia. Over the coming weeks, Athletics Australia will arrange initiatives with stakeholders designed to encourage and facilitate feedback.

This includes participation in a global survey on Athletics. Whether an athlete, coach, sponsor, volunteer or a fan, Athletics Australia wants to hear your perspective on the future of the sport, with all areas under discussion. To give your views, please click the following link:

https://surveyhub.deloitte.co.uk/wix/p402654971948.aspx

More details are to come regarding further initiatives led by Athletics Australia.

The compilation of the feedback, and ongoing outreach, will be led by World Athletics’ World Plan Working Group, chaired by Willie Banks, and supported by all 214 Member Federations. The World Plan will then be finalised in the Summer 2021 by the World Athletics Council before being put forward for approval by the World Athletics Member Federations at the 53rd World Athletics Congress in November 2021.

On the launch of the outreach campaign, World Athletics President Seb Coe stated:

“Today is a monumental day in the future of global Athletics. As the international governing body, we want to base out future plans on the experiences and knowledge of our vast Athletics community, and it is only right that we give everyone with an active interest in our sport the chance to give their views and insights.

AC Champs ’18: Photo by Ewa Facioni

“We are in a remarkable period of change in society and one that presents challenges but also new opportunities for Athletics. By taking stock and listening to all those involves with Athletics at every level, we can ensure that together, we are ready to fulfil such opportunities and continue to strive.”

Athletics Australia President Mark Arbib said the global campaign is an exciting and positive step forward for the sport and will provide it with a roadmap for the growth and development of Athletics.

“The Global Conversation for the Future of Athletics is a fantastic initiative by World Athletics and one that should be applauded,” said Arbib.

“This is an unprecedented effort by World Athletics to listen to the views of all those interested in our great sport, and the campaign will no doubt help athletics reach its full potential.

“We encourage everyone involved in athletics to get involved. That includes budding athletes at the grassroots level, officials, coaches, and even our fans and followers. Get behind it and help ensure the momentum continues to build around athletics.”

BYDGOSZCZ, POLAND – JULY 19: (L-R) Dyland Sicobo from Seychelles and Jack Hale from Australia and Oliver Bromby from Great Britain compete in men’s 100 meters qualification during the IAAF World U20 Championships – Day 1 at Zawisza Stadium on July 19, 2016 in Bydgoszcz, Poland. (Photo by Adam Nurkiewicz/Getty Images for IAAF)