Diversity in action

“The mission,” says Kirse Ellegaard of the federation, “is to introduce children in the 8 to 13 year age group to the sport in a fun and clean environment. We aim to show them that they can enjoy athletics irrespective of their size or shape”.

The schools have attracted more than 100 children in each of the programme’s initial three years of operation and in 2008 seven clubs participated.

According to Ellegaard, the summer school concept was already popular in the country before the federation’s initiative known, in Danish as Alletiders Atletikskole, was launched in 2006 with support from the European Athletics Support Programme, but the competition has not daunted her or her colleagues.

“We know we will be competing with summer schools run by clubs outside the federation’s programme and summer schools run by other sports, such as football, handball and swimming. Some of these sports are more popular than athletics and their programmes have been established for much longer. But we are continually evaluating what we can do to develop our reach.”

The federation has attempted to standardise the delivery of the schools by creating a handbook for the participating clubs. It covers all the organisational aspects of a typical school, from the programme of daily activities for participants to the production of T-shirts and certificates to insurance requirements.

“The greatest strength of the programme lies in the good sense of balance it gives,” says Ellegaard.

The five day long schools take place at the facilities of local clubs and are run by club coaches and other personnel. They bring potential new members and talents to the clubs and at the same time encourage the existing members to engage and develop further. They also provided valuable experience to young coaches.

Participants pay 50€ each, while the government offers financial support through the Sports Confederation of Denmark. Puma provides high-quality merchandise for the participants

“Puma tell us that they are pleased with the dual benefit they receive through this association. It serves a part of their social responsibility but also offers them good exposure.”

Expansion of the programme will be an important objective in the coming years, explains Ellegaard.

“We think we will be successful in the long term if we can improve our public relations efforts in schools, get the information out earlier, and attract more sponsorship.”