London 2017 Reveals Save The Children Deal
After the city was awarded the right to stage the 2017 IAAF World Championships on Friday, London 2017 has announced that Save the Children has been named the official charity partner of the event.? ?
The London 2017 bid was awarded the championships following a nine-week campaign against a rival bid from Doha, Qatar. The 26 member voting council voted 16 votes to 10 in London’s favour.
Save the Children was named in the successful bid as the charity partner of the London 2017 Legacy Athletics Education Programme – “LEAP 2017” – offering children the opportunity to get involved in events around the globe. ??Building on the success of the charity’s World Marathon Challenge this year that saw 2,000 children in 12 countries running in solidarity with children who face a daily struggle to survive, LEAP will empower young leaders to organise local athletics events in villages, towns and cities across the world.
??Justin Forsyth, chief executive of Save the Children, said: ‘We are thrilled to be the charity partner of London 2017 and are really excited in the impact LEAP could have for children worldwide. Save the Children is committed to help young people around the world fulfil their potential and to bring the world’s attention to the plight of children who face a daily struggle to survive. Community athletics activities as part of LEAP 2017 could provide a wonderful platform to achieve just that.’??
President of the London 2017 bid, Lord Coe, added: ‘At a time when fewer young people are participating in sport, LEAP will connect more young people around the world with the opportunity to experience, play and practice sport in their communities which in turn will help grow our sport.’
Speaking of the bid victory, Mayor of London, Boris Johnson commented: ‘This is wonderful news for London and hosting the 2017 World Athletics Championships in the Olympic Stadium will bring our long term vision for legacy to life. We are a diverse city where the world athletics family will feel at home and we look forward to welcoming you in 2017.’? ?
‘This decision serves to reinforce London’s status as a world-class sporting venue now and for the future.’
