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ATHLETICS UNITES US INTRO

The last year have been among the most enjoyable my belief that athletics can only ever be as strong My pledge is to be a wholly committed full-time and enriching of my life in athletics. as its National Federations and that the key role President working in constant collaboration with of the IAAF is to provide the service, support the National Federations which are the heartbeat The reason is simple. As I have travelled the world and resource they need to operate effectively to of our sport. I have a clear vision for the future of I have met so many wonderful people, made new promote and manage our sport in their countries our sport in which athletics re-engages with young friends and caught up with old ones. and produce the next generation of world-class people and becomes an even more powerful and So many of you gave your time and shared your athletes. attractive global sport. It is a future in which a expertise and insight to help me formulate my new generation of stars enthralls spectators in It also reminded me that no two countries are programe for the Presidency of the IAAF and I am packed stadiums and millions more around the alike. Each has different concerns and different truly grateful to each and every one of you. world on televison and which attracts the world’s needs and requires different things from the IAAF. biggest and best companies as sponsors. This album is a personal mark of my appreciation. That’s why I am committed to creating individual It is a photographic record of my journeys and of development plans for National Federations My motivation for becoming IAAF President is to many of the memorable moments I have shared among other initiatives to help the amazing make that vision a reality but I am very aware with National Federations’ officials, athletes, people in athletics around the world. that we will only acheive that by working together volunteers and the other members of the as every successful family does. This is a crucial time for athletics and the next worldwide family which is the underlying strength President has a big job to do. But the fact is that it So let’s work together to take athletics to new of athletics. cannot be done from the top down; the future of heights. During a schedule which has taken me from Cali athletics is in all of our hands and not just those to Kuala Lumpur and to many places in between, of the President. my meetings and discussions have strengthened • November 2014. Singapore • August 2014. Nanjing, • April 2015. Jakarta, Indonesia • March 2015. Taipei • May 2015. , • June 2015. Nepal • June 2015. Wuhan, China August 2014. Nanjing, China II SUMMER YOUTH OLYMPIC GAMES

Asia is growing fast in many areas – including sport. Nanjing 2014 organized a marvelous Youth Olympics with world class stars like Liu Xiang promoting athletics and a strong education program which is so important for the young athletes.

For me education is one of the key pillars of my ‘Take Athletics to the New Heights’ program. It is a cornerstone of growth and excellence in sport. So many new wonderful technologies are at our disposal to deliver knowledge to young athletes.

We must teach them throughout their careers using traditional education and specialized programs including online courses. Education of the athletes’ entourage is crucial as well. If elected I pledge to create scholarships for NF representatives and entourage, ensuring further internships within the IAAF, Area Associations and NFs. April 2015. March 2015. Jakarta, Indonesia Taipei 80TH ASIAN ATHLETICS NEW TAIPEI CITY WAN ASSOCIATION COUNCIL JIN SHI MARATHON MEETING

Let me share what I’ve seen at the Amazing New Taipei City marathon AAA Council meeting in Indonesian and the whole atmosphere around capital. the event. Running is the easiest way for youth to come up with I have seen the future of our sport. athletics. I have seen full commitment of the National Federations to the I am happy to have many friends idea of the development of sport, and colleagues within National of youth involvement, of building Federations who are committed new training and competition to help road running grow in their facilities. Asia is diverse but my countries. dear colleague Dahlan Al Khamad manages this diversity well. Every city and town should host What we must follow if the idea marathons or any other road of individual approach to every running events at least once a year. federation’s needs. The IAAF must I pledge to give full every possible regard the Member federations as support to road running if elected the core of our sport. as IAAF President. June 2015. Nepal AFTER THE DEVASTATING EARTHQUAKE

True drama for the small country. I have seen horrifying devastations, destroyed homes and infrastructure. I’ve seen that people live at the Dasarath Stadium – in tents right on the pitch, because they do not have a place to live.

But I have also seen courage in the eyes of those people – local athletes, coaches and officials. They are ready to continue to practice sport, to train, to compete and to win.

The IAAF and the Athletics family must without any doubt help the athletes from Nepal. If elected as IAAF President I pledge to do everything I can to find possibilities and construct new athletics facility in Kamandu. November 2014 May, 2015. Doha, Qatar SINGAPORE DIAMOND LEAGUE MEETING I have special feelings about Singapore because I was a Chair of IOC Coordination Commission for the first Youth Olympics here in 2010 – one of the most optimistic and exciting events I’ve ever experienced. The reason of the visit to Singapore in November 2014 was to take part in a South East Asian sports summit. There was great gathering with very effective discussion. We talked about the idea to join efforts and develop specific sports’ disciplines in specific countries. These first meets of the season It means that jumping prospects from are always special. The tradition every country in the region will have to start the DL series at Qatar SC their training facilities, for example, in Stadium in Doha is amazing as Malaysia, while the best middle and the organization is always perfect long distance runners would be sent and the level of performance is to, for instance, Singapore. I like the always very high. In May 2015 we idea – it could help the development of witnessed 11 World Leads! sport and establish closer cooperation between nations. Doha is becoming one of the world’s I became even more optimistic about capitals of sport. The city will be the future of athletics in the region the world’s capital of athletics in when I attended athletics competitions 2019, but in 2015 the famous at the Singapore National Games. stadium hosted inaugural Asian Those athletes do not aim to become Youth Athletics championships. world champions – but they are no Thanks Doha and Qatar for the less passionate than sport’s super continuous efforts to develop the stars! Also thanks to the organizers for . The efforts which the opportunity to do some training must certainly be supported by the between the meetings! IAAF. June 2015. Wuhan, China THE XXI ASIAN ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Since 2007 every second IAAF World Championship has been hosted by Asia. The continent develops rapidly in terms of both athletics performance, coaching, infrastructure, and legacy. The Asian Championships in Wuhan, as well as one-day meets, including Diamond League meets, reveal significant growth of Asian athletes’ performance. The legacy of hosting lots of world class events gives clear results.

Wuhan 2015 was true success, as well as the athletics competitions at the 2014 Asian Games at the Incheon, Korea, demonstrating huge potential in athletics.

Asia obviously deserves to host more IAAF events and the continent’s National Federations can receive support from the athletics world governing body, including both financial support and exchange of knowledge and coaching technologies with world best experts. June 2015. April 2015. Wuhan, China Beijing, China THE XXI ASIAN ATHLETICS IAAF COUNCIL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Beijing meeting was truly inspiring! Despite busy schedule the expectation of the great athletics celebration in August 2015 were amazing. I would like to thank the LOC of Beijing 2015 even before the event has started – I know what a great job has been done in the recent years to prepare for the IAAF World Championships. • August and September 2014. Marrakech, • March 2015. Addis Ababa, • April 2015. Mauritius • October 2015. Algeria August and September 2014. December 2014. Marrakech, Morocco Cairo, Egypt AFRICAN ATHLETICS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY CHAMPIONSHIPS & IAAF SEMINAR AT IAAF REGIONAL CONTINENTAL CUP DEVELOPMENT CENTER

The beautiful ‘Red City’ of Marrakech is one of the athletics capitals of Africa. In 2014 it hosted the continent’s two biggest athletics events – the African Championships with CAA Congress and IAAF Continental Cup. Both were great moments for me. Athletes performed at a very high level both in August and September while I’ve got opportunities to meet my friends and colleagues from the Athletics family, to share my thoughts and discuss the future of The IAAF Regional Development the sport. Center is the best place to meet with colleagues to talk about the The athletics traditions and future of our sport. Both RDCs expertise of Marrakech prove that and High Performance Training Africa’s potential for athletics Centers are fundamental for the is huge both in terms of sport development and exchange of organization and hosting the knowledge and experience between events. It proves that African coaches and experts. The IAAF RDC athletics is fast growing, it needs in Cairo is doing great job providing support for its development, and opportunities for athletes to grow. the time has come for Africa to If I elected RDCs and HPTCs will host flagship IAAF events – World have maximum support for what Championships. they are doing for our sport. March 2015. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 12TH AFRICAN JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP AND AFRICAN ATHLETICS CONGRESS

You can never administrate your sport well if you do not come to people who are the core of athletics. The people who organize sport, who train the athletes, and who run the competitions. I was so happy to attend Addis Ababa earlier this spring to watch the continent’s junior stars, to take part in the CAA Congress and to listen people’s concerns. Every conversation is a huge useful experience for me. Every issue will be included in Vision 2025 – the fullest global review of athletics ever. We will take our sport to the new heights together. March 2015. April 2015, Mauritius. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 2ND YOUTH AFRICAN 12TH AFRICAN JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS CHAMPIONSHIP AND AFRICAN ATHLETICS CONGRESS

For most of the COCAD participants it was first international event of their lives. For some teams it was not easy to cover the travel costs. And it was absolutely amazing event with young athletes and their coaches experiencing the most exciting days ever. I would like to thank CAA President Colonel Hamad Calcaba and his colleagues for this unique opportunity to help future sports stars to compete at the international level.

But I would also like to thank Mr Calcaba and African NFs Presidents for our discussions about the role of the IAAF for the future growth of athletics in Africa. I am happy we speak the same languages. Africa must gain more support to organize youth and junior continental events. Africa needs more support and education, more athletics experts and coaches, more resources to develop infrastructure. We do not need any proof that the continent has enormous potential for our sport. I pledge I will make my best to help Africa to fulfil it. October 2014 ALGERIA

Seminar for Secretary Generals from African National Olympic Committees (ANOCA). The warmest welcome and very useful discussion on the effective management of sport. I had a chance to deliver my vision and to listen and study experience of different countries. Great meeting with ANOCA President Lassana Palenfo and many colleagues from National Federations. Thanks for this time, my friends! • November 2014. Bogota-Cali, Columbia • November 2014. Mexico • February 2015. • April 2015. Saint Kitts and Nevis AMERICAS • July 2015. Cali, November 2014. Columbia BOGOTA-CALI

A promotional tour to the host country of the IAAF Youth championships, for me I was delighted to be visiting good friends who are passionate friends of athletics.

Cali and Columbia was preparing to host first ever IAAF World Championships in South America. Roberto Gesta de Melo, CONSUDATLE President, is doing his best to promote our sport and involve kids. Dozens of young athletes attended the presentation at the Estadio Olimpico Pascual Guerrero, the future venue of the Championships. We had effective discussions at the development seminar, and the launch of brand new HPTC in Cali, the capital of Colombian sport.

Eight months before the opening of the IAAF Youth Championships I knew it will leave comprehensive legacy for this sport crazy country and for the continent. November 2014. February 2015. Mexico Brasil VERACRUZ 2014 MANAUS

While Rio will be the heart of the 2016 Summer Games I felt in winter 2015 that Olympic atmosphere all over the country. We inspected venues and other infrastructure with the visit of the IOC Coordination Commission discussing very serious issues. It was a serious job. But what I felt is that Rio 2016 legacy is already here.

I have no doubt that athletics competition at the Joao Havelange Stadium will influence a much wider audience than those who attend The Central American and the sessions. Rio 2016 will provide Caribbean Games – one of the a powerful boost to athletics all oldest competitions in both over South and Central America. It Americas. Athletics has great inspires young athletes. I’ve seen traditions at the Games but it also their enthusiasm when I provided has promising future. Almost 500 a workshop with my colleague and athletes from 31 nations competed friend Nawal El Moutawakel at the in Veracruz 2014. Fourteen new training camp in Rio. Games records were set! And – what an atmosphere! I had a I pledge to do everything possible chance to witness race walking to help young athletes to make competitions – a highlight for every their dreams come true. And I know Mexican athletics fan. I can count on my colleagues from the National Federations who are I will never forget those emotions! the core of our sport. January 2015. April 2015. Brasil MANAUS Saint Kitts and Nevis THE CARIFTA GAMES

You don’t necessary have to be at the Olympic Games to feel the taste of the Olympics. CARIFTA Games inspired me a lot proving again that we have to support every international event at every level if they provide the future athletics stars to perform.

I would like to thank again to my friends and colleagues from Caribbean National Federations who are doing great job to prepare and bring future sports stars to the CARIFTA Games. Here future Usain Bolts and Merlene Otties make their first step to glory while many other kids become successful in other areas of life due to sport. May 2015. Nassau, Bahamas. IAAF WORLD RELAYS

Fantastic competition with amazing spectators’ support! Great performance and great atmosphere at the second edition of very promising project! IAAF World Relays 2015 proved the idea is viable for the decades ahead. I am grateful to organizers and colleagues from our Athletics family for great time and effective discussion about our sport’s future.

The IAAF must assure the World Relays to grow, and more Member Federations to have opportunity to prepare and send their teams to the competitions.

There was some local ethnic favour as well. Bahamas welcomed lots of friends and colleagues from all over the world. Our sport is global and truly diverse, but Athletics unites us at any part of the planet. July 2015. Cali, Colombia IAAF YOUTH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

These were seven days when I felt younger and happier than ever. Not only me. I think that all my colleagues from the IAAF, Area Associations and National Federations felt the same.

Why? It is simple. No one could remain sad when seeing hundreds of world’s best young athletes, the future super stars, but kids now. They smile, they play, they surf the web staring at their smartphones, they compete, they win and lose, they are happy and sad and happy again. They generate so many emotions and have so much energy of life. That energy charges you and inspires you to work for them even more to ensure they have all the opportunities to grow as athletes, to perform and be happy and successful.

Lots of memories from Cali 2015.

Meeting great athletes Alberto Juantarena, John Carlos, Bob Beamon, Robert Emmiyan, and many others at the stadium. Discussing the future of our sport at the IAAF Development Commission meeting and greeting President Diack on his 40th Jubilee in the IAAF.

Visit to the brand new IAAF High Performance training center – a place where young stars will grow up.

Nelson Mandela day celebration.

Great story of sportsmanship from Tom-Linus Humann and the German team. They lent the poles to their opponent from and then supported one when he won a silver medal with PB and CR.

And the final day. Hundreds of young athletes and their coaches at the pitch celebrating their first World Championships. And hopefully celebrating their future. July 2015. Cali, Colombia IAAF YOUTH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS August 2015. San Jose, Costa Rica NACAC SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS

For me as IAAF Vice President 2nd NACAC Senior championships means breakthrough of athletics in the region of North, Central America and Caribbean. The inaugural event was hosted by El Salvador in 2007 – eight years ago. The region certainly needed its continental championships as the athletics potential of the NACAC member countries is huge and well known. I was truly inspired by the competitions, atmosphere and the morale of athletes at the Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica. And I was amazed by the efforts of organizers, Viktor Lopez and his great team, as well as all Member Federations who participate! You’ve fantastic job, my friends!

The IAAF must certainly be supportive of NACAC Championships to be held on regular basis. We must do everything possible in terms of organization, event management, as well as funding and marketing programs for the Championships itself and for the federations who need it. We must cooperate with local authorities and media to ensure the main NACAC event is treated and gain support as the region’s top athletics event. If elected as the IAAF president I pledge to make my best helping NACAC to manage the Championships as the top region’s sport event. August 2015. San Jose, Costa Rica NACAC SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS • June 2014 and July 2015. , • April 2015. Slovenia • July 2014. , Great Britain • May 2015, Vilnius, • September 2014. Ljubljana, Slovenia • June 2015. Stara Zagora, Bulgaria • October 2014. Burgas, Bulgaria. • June 2015. Baku, Azerbaijan • December 2014. Split, • July 2015. Tbilisi, Georgia • January 2015. Israel • May 2017. Riga, • March 2015. Prague, • GALA July 2014. September 2014. Glasgow, Great Britain Ljubljana, Slovenia. XX COMMONWEALTH GAMES BALKANATION MEETING

The pledge to support and promote Fantastic atmosphere at Hampden regional competitions is well placed Park in Glasgow! Commonwealth in my ‘Taking Athletics to the New Games’ athletics competitions Heights’ program. The Balkanation were one of the best organized meeting is proof that I am right. events featuring first class starts It’s great initiative which gathers in most disciplines. The IAAF together athletes, fans, officials, has to cooperate close with CGF coaches, and partners from the to exchange experience and region. I am sure we need and we provide the best possible athletics will have more competitions of this competitions at the Games. format all over the world. October 2014. Bulgaria BURGAS

Happy to see one more indoor arena will soon appear. Bulgarian Federation is eager to bid for 2019 European Indoor Championships. I wish them good luck and hope new venue will serve athletics as well as other sports for many years ahead. December 2014. January 2015. Croatia ISRAEL SPLIT

Tiberias Marathon in Israel. Splendid historical scenery and thousands of enthusiastic people happy and healthy to run.Thanks to Israel Athletics Association for the support of a great initiative.

Road racing events are always so inspiring even if you are not participating yourself. It is the One more athletics training facility future of our sport, for sure. will appear in Split, Croatia, host Every city and town should host city of 2010 IAAF Continental marathons or any other road Cup. I am sure ‘Ruža Hrvatska’ running events at least once a year. – ‘The Rose of Croatia’ will host I pledge to give full every possible not only local athletes but also support to road running if elected international ones. The climate as IAAF President. and the conditions seem perfect for preparation. Thanks Croatian I was also happy to visit my fellow Federation and everybody involved. ex-pole vaulter Alex Averbukh Every athletics facility is a step who cooperates closely with forward for the development of our Neurim Training Center sharing his sport. knowledge of sport. March 2015. Prague, Czech Republic EUROPEAN ATHLETICS INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS

The highlight of the indoor season and the place where you meet friends everywhere at the venue. I was so happy to see the arena sold-out. Well-done Prague – and looking forward to see everybody in 2017 in Belgrade! April 2015 SLOVENIA

Slovenia hosted the year’s milestone meeting for European Athletics. New EAA President Svein Arne Hansen was elected to replace Hansjorg Wirz. The EAA Congress has also become a good occasion to deliver my vision of the future of athletics to my colleagues from the European National Federations – and receive effective feedback from them.

I had also great opportunity to discuss the business side of sport sharing my experience and my knowledge of sport marketing practices in different parts of the world.

There was also ‘Hammer trip’ – I was invited to an amazing sport school arranged by legendary Primos Kozmus. The hammer throwing Olympic champion is doing an incredible job to support the school and young athletes. What a great commitment from a true role model athlete! We also discussed the status of his sport – ancient . My vision is clear – all athletics disciplines should be treated equally! April 2015 SLOVENIA May 2015. June 2015. Lithuania Stara Zagora, Bulgaria VILNIUS EUROPEAN TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS II LEAGUE

Vilnius was the city where I set my first world record – it was indoor 5-81 successful attempt in January 1984. I was so happy to visit that Team competitions in athletics are hall again along with my friends. I always exciting. The most important also had a chance to visit the site is that every nation participates, of the future track-and-field venue. so for many athletes European My clear vision – every Member Team Championships provides Federation must have at least unique chances to perform at the one up-to-date athletics facility international level. My objective for competitions and practice. No is to transfer this format to other compromise about that. continents. June 2015. Baku, Azerbaijan THE FIRST EUROPEAN GAMES

The inaugural European Games and the host city of Baku provided fantastic backdrop for the greatest sport gathering ever in this region. Fantastic competitions at the Games venues along with Street Athletics events held at the beautiful Fountains Square are one of the highlights of summer 2015. I give credit to the organizers of the events, administrators, government, and certainly athletes who contributed to the celebration of sport.

No doubt Baku is on its way to become one of the greatest sport cities on the planet. June 2015. Baku, Azerbaijan THE FIRST EUROPEAN GAMES June 2014 and July 2015. Paris, France DIAMOND LEAGUE MEETING

Paris is always elegant in everything – architecture, lifestyle, promotion of athletics. I remember the fantastic promotional event of the Diamond League meeting at the Trocadero in 2014.

In 2015 the day of the event was no less impressive. I met so many friends at the but before that I had nice interview for Super Sport and nice discussion with journalists at the media lunch. May 2015. Latvia RIGA

It was a short stay in Riga but I don’t think I will ever forget it.

I took part in the warm-up for young athletes organized by the National Federation attending youth competitions afterwards. What excitement! And my deep respect to my colleagues and friends who care about the future generations’ health and way of life. July 2015. Tbilisi, Georgia EUROPEAN YOUTH OLYMPIC FESTIVAL

Very thrilling day for me at the European Youth Olympic Festival. I made a long-awaited presentation of the books I worked on with my colleagues for the last couple of years. My graphic biography ‘Flying Bubka’ is aimed at the young readers while the ‘Track&Field Encyclopedia’ folio would be useful for every sport fan, athlete, and coach.

Thanks EOC President Patrick Hickey, my colleagues from Tbilisi LOC and National Federations for sharing the momentum with me. GALA

There is time to work hard preparing for the season. There is time to compete and win the medals. But there is also time to celebrate athletes’ achievement.

Gala shows – continental AND national or international, like IAAF Gala in , always end the season providing an opportunity to award all those who contribute to our great sport. I had an honour to visit several galas this winter – European Gala in Baku, Slovakia, .

The L’Equipe Champion des Champions ceremony was very special for me as I had a chance to award who broke my record in December 2014. I was twice awarded Champion des Champions Mondiaux – in 1985 and 1997. So I hope it was not the last award for Renaud as well. The most prominent Gala – in Monaco – was a celebration for Doha, Nairobi and Ostrava, as the Gala itself was preceded by the IAAF Council which gave the right to host, respectively, 2019 IAAF World Championships, 2017 IAAF World Youth Championships, and 2018 IAAF Continental Cup.

I pledge to make the IAAF Athletics Gala a celebration for all of Athletics for every National Federation. Awards will celebrate the achievements of Member Federations in areas including grass roots programs, use of websites and marketing. There will be regional awards to celebrate regional heroes and I intend to offer grants as prizes for some awards where the funding would have greatest impact. OCEANIA • May 2015. Cairns, May 2015. Cairns, Australia OCEANIA ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS

The continental championship in Cairns was very well organized and has become fantastic demonstration of the global diversity of our sport. Every team, even the smallest one, was inspired and totally committed to athletics and to making their best at the field of play.

As a Chair of the IAAF Development Commission, I know a lot has been done to create opportunities for athletics in Oceania, but the IAAF should use a more global approach. Every National Federation should have a modern synthetic track and equipment. There can be no compromise about that.

National Federations need financial support for promotion and development of the sport – this is an issue of special importance for many Member Federations in Oceania. We should also work out individual development plans for every National Federation and find all possible resources to bring these plans to life. This part concludes the album – not as a finish Day – you can see it in pictures. My strong belief involve them in sport. line but as a doorway to the future of our sport. is that we must develop and expand ‘IAAF Kids ATHLETICS. THE FUTURE In fact, everything we strive for has one global Athletics’ all over the world and make it accessible We have to provide young athletes with possibilities cause. We want to ensure our future generations to every Federation providing the number of ‘Kids to improve and grow in training camps with top are healthy, proactive, successful and happy. We Athletics’ bags our NFs need. athletes to demonstrate the positive impact of can do it through involvement of youth to our Athletics. We must also take care about young athletes’ sport at every level – as future pro athletes, as We must use Athletics as a tool to engage children well as amateur competitors and sport fans. education in all aspects from the sport’s history to nutrition and training programs. The digital in sports and provide an alternative to the life on I strongly believe that youth participation in world provides us with lots of options to reach our the streets and exposure to drugs and alcohol. It athletics is an effective tool to create positive young target audience so we have to use more is my vision to work closely with NGOs and charity global change in peoples’ lives. We must use the social media and online resources to bring them organizations and use their experience and power of Athletics positively encouraging the to our sport. financial support to establish a set of programs to participation of children. Huge steps were taken create sports boarding schools for at-risk children. We need more youth competitions on Continental previously due to the unique ‘IAAF Kids Athletics’ Lots of work ahead – and I am happy to know that program initiated by President Lamine Diack. I and regional levels – to create the possibilities for our future stars to compete and win. my colleagues from many National Federations had lots of opportunities to observe how children share my thoughts. If elected I pledge to work react to it. I even had a chance to compete with We must involve star athletes to become role tirelessly to help Athletics to make next the steps very young athletes during 2015 models for youth from their communities and for engagement of youth. The future of our sport!

Taking Athletics to New Heights www.athletics2015.org Twitter: @sergey_bubka