Developing Athletics Across Otago

Athletics is one of only two truly global sports with 211 national associations affiliated to the IAAF, the sport's governing body.  It is also a foundation for many other sports that incorporate running, jumping and throwing.

The sport of athletics is made of 11 standard track events, 8 standard field events, multi-discipline events (decathlon and heptathlon), cross country, walking and running races and mountain running.  The sport caters for both males and females of every body type and all ages.  Nationally athletics is governed by Athletics New Zealand (ANZ) and locally by Athletics Otago (AO).  Masters and Children's athletics have their own governing bodies. 

In New Zealand championships are organised at national and regional level with ANZ selecting teams for international representation.

• CoachForce Athletics plays a key role in the local athletics.  The CoachForce Development Officer is responsible for:

• Training teachers to teach athletics by running in-service training in schools and by running courses for student teachers.

• The recruitment and training of officials.

• Organising and running the "Run-Jump-Throw" programme for parents to become children's first coaches.  This is followed by organised more advanced coaching courses.

• Assisting clubs and the Otago Centre to organise and promote events. 

The CoachForce Development Officer is the first port of call for information on events, coaches and club membership for aspiring athletes, coaches and officials.

CoachForce Development Officer

Our CoachForce Development Officer is Catherine O'Sullivan.  You can contact her here.

Resources

Visit the Athletics New Zealand website for comprehensive and up to date information on all aspects of athletics in New Zealand, including a national events calendar, current New Zealand records, athlete profiles and all the latest news from the world of athletics. 

Information about local athletics can be found on the Athletics Otago website here.

For those interested in the Moro Marathon check out their website here. 

For a list of athletics clubs and contacts across Otago click here.