Nairobi, Kenya – 9 May 2025 | Kenya has emerged victorious in the global Kids’ Athletics Day Member Federation Relay Around the World Challenge, earning international recognition for its outstanding grassroots mobilisation and creativity in promoting athletics among children.
Organised by World Athletics, the initiative saw more than 600,000 children across six continents take part in over 1,200 relay-themed events between 6 April and 7 May 2025. The challenge aimed to promote physical activity among young people under the theme “Relay Around the World,” inspired by the World Athletics Relays held this weekend in Guangzhou, China.
Athletics Kenya stood out among 120 participating federations, with an impressive 140,500 children involved in local relay events. Over 600 coaches, teachers, and volunteers helped coordinate the activities across counties, supported by partnerships with County Governments and the Ministry of Education.
What set Kenya apart was not just the scale, but also the sustainable approach—children planted trees and used eco-friendly equipment such as cardboard batons and hurdles made from hay and grass.
In recognition, Athletics Kenya received a US$10,000 award to further invest in youth athletics development. Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei expressed pride in the win, highlighting the role of the programme in promoting physical development and talent identification at the grassroots.
Costa Rica and Norway were named runners-up, receiving US$5,000 each. Costa Rica engaged over 106,000 children in countrywide relays, while Norway orchestrated a single-day nationwide school relay involving nearly 98,000 children.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe praised the global effort: “We’re extremely proud we smashed our target. Congratulations to Kenya and all who took part in this inspiring initiative.”
Kids’ Athletics Day continues to be a cornerstone of World Athletics’ mission to get children active, confident, and connected with sport for life.
