2012 WPA DEVELOPMENT

The Western Province Athletics Kids Development Programme reflects our commitment to increasing and improving kids athletics within the Western Cape. One of the key roles of WPA is to create opportunities for participation in athletics; the programme aims not only to achieve the stated objectives but also to make enormous strides in development within our affiliated clubs and communities.


Athletics at a primary school level in South Africa is a diminishing sport and often excludes the average participant or contributes to the burnout and/or injury at a later stage due to the premature specialisation in a particular event. As a result many talented children are lost through the school athletics programme and never have the opportunity of reaching their true potential. We strongly feel that by introducing the Kids Athletics Programme to schools in the Western Cape, children and the sport of athletics will benefit greatly.


The WPA Kids Development Programme is aimed at children between the ages of 9 and 13 years and is broken down into two disciplines:


1. Kids Athletics Programme


The “IAAF Kids Athletics” Programme aims to ensure a steady and sustainable policy of development of the sport of Athletics. The aim of which is to introduce Children to Athletics at a basic level. The Kids Athletics Programme introduces young children to athletics in an attractive, accessible and instructive manner. The objectives of the programme are to introduce kids to all aspects of athletics in a non-threatening, fun way that is specific to the ages of the children. Instead of merely mimicking adult athletics the Kids Athletics Programme is competed in teams and allows each child to participate in each event without being judged or measured against his/her teammates. The Kids Athletics Programme introduces kids to all concepts of athletics - Running, Jumping and Throwing.


2. Cross Country Programme


Cross Country provides a great introduction to longer distance running and team building. Participation during the winter season will keep athletes in excellent cardio shape and on rough terrain and hills will strengthen their legs.


Children compete in the following distances:

U10 Boys & Girls – 2km

U11 Boys & Girls – 3km

U12 Boys & Girls – 3km

U13 Boys & Girls – 4km

U14 Boys & Girls – 4km