More than 60 young people representing 46 Member Federations have signed up for the biennial highlight the European Athletics–UNESCO Young Leaders Forum – a programme designed to develop the next generation of leaders in the sport which will take place from 11 to 14 August in conjunction with the 2014 European Athletics Championships in Zurich.
Organised in cooperation with the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization and with support from the Zurich 2014 local organising committee and erdgas, the LOC’s partner for volunteering and sustainability, the Forum will focus on the design and delivery of youth-led voluntary projects in athletics.
The Forum programme includes speakers and discussion groups covering topics such as project management, funding and communications. Also featured will be workshops on successful projects delivered by members of the European Athletics Young Leaders Community and accessing support from European Union sources including the Erasmus+ programme.
Guest speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.
“Our aim is to inspire and equip young people to take on their own athletics-related projects in cooperation with their federations, clubs or events,” says European Athletics Director General Christian Milz. “Of course, this is good for athletics, but it is also good for the individuals as it will help them develop skills, gain experience and build networks that further their opportunities to become leaders in the sport.
“We are grateful to UNESCO, erdgas, the LOC and everyone else involved for their support of the Forum.”
After the daily working sessions, the Forum participants will attend the first three evening sessions of the Championships in the Letzigrund Stadium.
Prior to arrival in Zurich, each of the participants will have prepared a multi-media display that will be exhibited during the Forum. All the participants will vote on the best display and prizes will be awarded.
The Forum is a follow-up to successful forums staged with UNESCO’s support during the European Athletics Championships in Gothenburg (2006) and Barcelona (2010) and Helsinki (2012).
In 2011 European Athletics and UNESCO renewed their partnership, first signed in 2006. Over the last eight years the two organisations have cooperated on a number of promotional, youth and anti-doping projects.