On your marks: Rio Ferdinand Foundation and GMAX team up for an exciting Athletics Festival
The announcement comes as Team GB launch their Paris 2024 Olympic Campaign.
Get set, Go, for a unique athletics festival organised by young people for young people. The community athletics festival will take place at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre on Monday, August 19th, and young people aged 12-18 are encouraged to take to the track. Supporters’ friends and families are all welcome to come along.
The festival is part of a more comprehensive delivery-based partnership between the Rio Ferdinand Foundation and London-based athletics organisation GMAX that uses the power of sport for young people as a facilitator for skills development.
It is being planned and organised by Young People who are going through the Foundation’s Leadership Programme. The athletics track at Crystal Palace provides a safe and inclusive learning environment for developing sportsmanship and teamwork skills and empowers young people to strive for individual excellence.
“We have an amazing community- sport is all about community. I’d really love everyone to come to our event, regardless of your ability or skills. Everybody is welcome!”
The Crystal Palace National Sports Centre festival, supported by charity London Sport and leisure operator Better, promises a fun and exciting day. It's a chance for young people of all abilities from across South London to come together and enjoy the thrill of the track. With fun taster sessions and competitions focused on the track disciplines of athletics, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
“This festival event being championed by Rio Ferdinand Foundation and Gmax Trackstars will help sway the landscape of athletics both at grassroots and professional forever and support the motivation to put the “GREAT” back into GB athletics as it becomes an annual event and a beacon for young people to participate to achieve goals and become champions.
“With 2024 being an Olympic year and combined with the 60th anniversary of the Crystal Palace national sports stadium, the timing is perfect to create a memorable event we will all be proud of.
“It is essential that the support from both corporate and political influencers is principal in intention as the impact of sport intervention in this way will prevent the need for the criminal justice system and NHS by being the solution to physical and mental wellbeing and personal development for young people as they transition into adulthood.”
“Crystal Palace National Stadium has always been somewhat of a spiritual home for UK athletics. We are proud to partner GMax Trackstars to deliver a program that shines a spotlight on athletics again.”
Leading up to the festival, young people at a recent Ferndale Community Sports Centre football session had the opportunity to elevate their overall game with a race mechanics session. With the guidance and support of experienced coaches, they honed their transferable skills of agility, balance, explosive speed, and recovery, preparing them for the upcoming event.
Young people interested in furthering their athletics skills will be invited to join local clubs with support from GMAX Trackstars, whilst the Rio Ferdinand Foundation offers sports leadership training accreditation opportunities.