Athletics Kenya (AK) on Thursday unveiled the blueprint that saw the federation crowned by World Athletics as the winning member federation of the 2025 Kids’ Athletics Day Challenge.
Kids’ Athletics, a global programme for children aged 4–11, aims to introduce youngsters to track and field, nurture physical literacy, foster teamwork, and ignite a lifelong passion for sport.
This year’s edition, inspired by the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, China, embraced a theme that celebrated both community and the spirit of Kids’ Athletics.
The global Relay around the World kicked off in Monaco on April 6 (International Day of Sport for Development and Peace) and gathered momentum across the globe before climaxing in Guangzhou, China.
From April 6 to May 7, member federations, clubs, schools, coaches, community groups, and families staged relay events to mark Kids’ Athletics Day 2025.
At the close of the campaign, AK emerged on top of the 120 participating federations.
”Of the 120 participating Member Federations, Kenya emerged on top. Six hundred coaches, teachers and volunteers from schools and clubs from multiple counties across the country organised Kids’ Athletics Day relay events, reaching more than 140,500 children,” the winning statement from World Athletics stated.
The report was presented by AK President, Jack Tuwei, Youth Development Committee chairman, Banaba Korir and Chief Administrative Officer Susan Kamau.
While presenting AK’s winning formula, Kamau said strategic coordination was key to the federation’s triumph. ”We engaged over 140,000 children. Almost 25 per cent of the global total. Nationwide campaign roll-out for the entire campaign period (April 6 – May 7).”
”Coordinated activities across both urban centres and rural villages, ensured inclusivity by bridging geographical barriers,” Kamau stated.
AK leaned heavily on school and club networks, mobilising coaches to go beyond traditional relays by introducing playful experiences that still honed core athletic skills.
”We leveraged school and club structures and coaching networks. Beyond traditional relays, Kenya added creativity with playful experiences while still focusing on developing key fundamental skills,” Kamau added.
The federation embraced digital innovation, too. “Utilised the official Kids’ Athletics Day WebApp to track registrations and share impact stories globally.”
”#KidsAthleticsDay and #RelayAroundtheWorld drove engagement on social media. Photo and video content was shared by children, teachers, and Athletics Kenya media team,” she added.
Mainstream and digital media further amplified the campaign’s reach.
”National media engagement, local media outlets, Athletics Kenya’s official website and sports blogs highlighted stories, ensuring the campaign had national visibility,” she said.
”Local influencers amplified the campaign online, making it more relatable and appealing to younger audiences.”
Sustainability was also woven into the campaign.
”Each activation incorporated tree planting ceremonies, reaching children the importance of caring for their physical and mental health alongside the well-being of he environment they live in,” she observed.
”Innovative use of recycled and repurposed materials such as; batons made from cardboard, hurdles created from hay bales and grass stacks.”
The campaign’s success, she said, was rooted in collaboration.
“County Governments, Ministry of Education, Integration with Kip Keino Classic, Athletics Kenya Kids’ Athletics Coaches, Schools, Clubs and Volunteers were the backbone of the campaign, ensuring execution at the community level with passion and commitment.”
by CHRIS MBAISI
