With the accent very much on fun, friendships and family, organiser and former Olympian Steve Augustine hopes more children will come out as word of the exciting programme spreads. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

The youngsters were shown a variety of warm up drills, running techniques and also given the opportunity to experiment with modified javelin, discuss and shot put equipment. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Some 30 youngsters were put through their paces on the field at Capoons Bay as the Kids in Athletics Summer Camp got underway on August 1, 2013. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Mr Dag Samuels, who is off to Russia next week with the VI team that is taking part in the World Championships, was on hand to spot some new talent. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

The camp is the brainchild of Vice-President of the BVI Athletics Association Mr Steve Augustine who, along with support from other members of the Association as well as current athletes and the First District Representative, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie, is following the format established by the International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF) for grassroots development known as Kids in Athletics.

“It’s off to a good start," commented Augustine. “The numbers were pretty good and we have some additional interest being shown now that the parents have seen what’s happening and how much fun the children were having.”

All the equipment used by the coaches have been designed especially under the guidance of the international governing body of track and field, the IAAF, to introduce children to the sport in a fun and safe environment. “The equipment is aimed at kids aged 4-14, miniature javelins, miniature hurdles, it’s all to make sure the kids have fun and enjoy themselves,” noted Augustine.

The Vice-President attended a course a couple of years ago on how to introduce 'kids' to the sport and, as the ex-Olympian noted, “The BVI is now doing exactly what they do in places like England, Canada, the USA and other places around the World and that says a lot.”

More participants are expected for the sessions Friday and Saturday and the camp will then resume next Thursday, Friday and Saturday before heading into a full final week and culminating in a mini track meet on Saturday August 17, 2013 on the Capoons Bay field.

“We have the space, we have the equipment and we have the coaches,” concluded Augustine. And with Hon. Fahie pledging to cover the costs of the first 50 youngsters from the First District to attend the course, parents need to get to the field at 4 P.M. today so their children don’t miss out on the fun.