'I am very pleased with the success of the Zurich 2014 European Athletics Championships. We have seen some fantastic performances at the Letzigrund stadium, a venue built for athletics with an eye on one day hosting the European Athletics Championships – and now this famous stadium’s story is complete
“The event has created European champions, inspirational moments and smiling faces. The strength of athletics on the continent has been underlined. Established stars have reasserted their dominance and a new generation of stars have been created on the European stage.
“Feedback throughout the week from the public, television and media has been very positive. Indeed, we have received excellent preliminary television figures across Europe. We have also received excellent feedback from our Member Federations.
“We can look to the future of athletics in Switzerland with more confidence following these championships. Its legacy will have a lasting effect on kids’ athletics initiatives in Switzerland, which are attracting an ever-growing number of young athletes into the sport.
“Outside of the stadium additional values have been created. More than 60 young people representing 46 of our Member Federations enjoyed taking part in the European Athletics–UNESCO Young Leaders Forum – a programme designed to develop the next generation of leaders in the sport.
“Also, with the City Festival activities throughout the championships, I am pleased to say that Zurich truly has been a ‘Championships City’.
“I would like to thank the Zurich 2014 Local Organising Committee, the Swiss Athletics Federation, the City, and Canton of Zurich for organising such an outstanding event.
“I would also like to thank the International Partners Spar, Omega, Le Gruyère AOP, Eurovision and UBS, and all the National Partners and Suppliers.
'The success of these championships gives us great motivation as we look ahead to the Amsterdam 2016 and Berlin 2018 European Athletics Championships.'
17th August 2014 05:30