Where to Do Athletics in the UK

There are several ways to do Athletics in the UK. These range from School Athletics to competitions. There are also competitions for para-athletes. British Athletics has a range of programmes for these different groups. The following are some of these: para-athletics, sporthall, competitions, and parallel success.

Sporthall athletics

Sporthall athletics in the UK is a growing sport, which is now widely available to the general public. The sport is growing in popularity across the country, and the UK Athletics Federation has recently adopted the discipline. It is one of the first steps into sport for many young people. Several members of the current GB team, including Gareth Southgate and Morgan Lake, started as juniors in the sport. Sporthall is a modified version of Track and Field athletics that is suitable for young athletes. Children from the age of three to 15 can compete in this sport, which is ideal for the winter months. It promotes healthy exercise and friendship among young athletes.

Schools

Athletics is a great way to get children interested in physical activity. In the UK, there are over 800,000 schoolchildren who take part in school-based competitions every year. Competitions range from Sportshall Athletics to Cross Country, and there are even national and county competitions for schools. In addition to being a great way to keep kids interested in physical activity, athletics also promotes a positive school culture. It also attracts talented pupils and staff to a school. Moreover, schools that offer athletics to their pupils will attract more funding and opportunities. While competitions are great for children's physical health, many parents believe that athletics is important for their child's well-being. As a result, many parents actively seek schools that have athletics facilities. In fact, according to the Youth Sport Trust, athletics facilities are the second most important factor that influences parents' choice of secondary schools. The top three reasons parents look for a secondary school include its sporting facilities and culture, but in primary schools, the number one consideration is their child's wellbeing.

Competitions

The UK has several national and international competitions for track and field athletes. This sport is based on running, jumping and throwing, and championships are held at regional, county and national levels. Some competitions are open to the public; others may require entry criteria and fees. Championships are also held in individual events. The South of England holds outdoor and indoor championships. There are numerous competitions for all abilities, including youth trials. Many athletes first compete at the local level in festivals. These competitions are open to everyone, and often feature fun and competition as their main focus. Some events even award medals and trophies to winners.

Para-athletics

The UKA has recently undergone a review of its classification system. This review sought to ensure the processes are transparent and compliant with WPA regulations. It also sought to identify whether UKA was on track to achieve its objective of ensuring the classification system is unbiased and consistent. The results of the review were encouraging and highlight that the organisation is committed to ensuring the integrity of its classification process. The UK has an increasing profile in international competition, with London 2012 being a major boost for the sport. The Paralympic Games in London also had a huge impact on public perception of disability in the UK. The media campaigns that accompanied the Games helped reduce stigma in the UK. Based on these learnings, the Para Sport Against Stigma project is exploring how Para sport can change attitudes, behaviours and practices within a wider context in Africa.