Uk Athletics

UK athletics refers to the governing body of athletic sports in the United Kingdom. This institution was founded in 1999 and served as a successor to the British Athletics Federation. The British Athletics Federation collapsed due to financial problems years earlier. Even for such a relatively new organization there has been some rather interesting history. On August 24, 2006, David Moorcroft, the CEO of UK Athletics announced that he was stepping down from his position. This came in lieu of the worst performance by Great Britain at the European Athletics Championship in over 20 years. Great Britain did not win a single gold medal, which was considered by many to be a major disappointment, especially considering that in 2012 London will host the Olympics. (Not a thing of pride, for a hosting country to lose so disastrously) Ed Warner followed Moorcroft as the new chairman of UK athletics, while the UK Athletics President remains Lynn Davies, who was a former British champion long jumper.

The UK Athletics Of Today

UK Athletics continues to oversee the development and management of athletic sports, and remains one of the most successful governing bodies of athletics in the world. Its aims are to create a clear vision for the sport and for Britain, in terms of improving performance and raising the standards for every event. In addition to preparing athletes for their Olympic-level ambitions, UK Athletics also strives to promote equality in sports and encourage all participants, regardless of their age, ability or background, to get involved in UK athletic events.

Specifically, the organization works with over 1,400 clubs and schools to harvest young talent. They also promote athletics as the purest and most popular Olympic sport in the nation. They are responsible for developing rules and regulations of the sport and carrying them out. These regulations include protective action taken against doping, as well as other health and safety procedures that are implemented to protect athletes. The organization also provides for the training and education for coaches and other officials.

You may wonder how does UK Athletics pay for all of these services? The business side of the organization is responsible for securing funding by seeking out commercial partners and sponsors that can help fund the organization and likewise, the sport. UK Athletics' sponsorship arrangement with Norwich Union is the most lucrative sponsorship in sports, save for professional football. It also has support through the National Lottery and UK Sport.

Contacting UK Athletics

You can contact UK Athletics in a few different ways, whether you are inquiring about UK Athletics coaching help or are seeking assistance in the UK athletics department. The website has a great deal of information on how to sign up as a volunteer of the organization, as well as special features for fans, coaches, teachers, officials and children. You can email the company using an online form or write to them at the address: UK Athletics Athletics House, Central Boulevard, Blythe Valley Park, Solihull
West Midlands B90 8AJ.