The London-based athletics organisation partnered up with the Rio Ferdinand Foundation to put on the event at Crystal Palace
The Paris Olympics might be over but the next generation of kids are already being inspired.
GMAX Trackstars – an organisation founded by sprints and hurdles coach Mark Lancaster – has launched the Community Athletics Festival, with the aim to unlock the power of sport for young people.
The first edition of the festival occurred earlier in the week (August 19) and just under 100 teenagers took part in everything from bonding activities to sprinting at Crystal Palace.
The location was purposely chosen due to Crystal Palace’s inclusive learning environment – the complex’s multi-sport eco-system is a big factor – and its rich history in athletics.
Young athletes ran on the same track that Usain Bolt once competed on and you quickly got a sense of the adrenaline, energy and excitement on show.
Lancaster, who used to be a civil engineer, wants to help the next generation develop them into athletes, coaches and fundamentally skilled individuals.
Mark Lancaster and his team at GMAX Trackstars (GMAX)
“I think a lot of kids have been inspired by the Olympics,” he tells AW. “Like London 2012, you had that good time feeling across the nation for Paris 2024, but we want to capture it in the grassroots. We saw some showboating at the festival and I’m loving it. Athletics is a sport that gives you the opportunity to showcase yourself.
“The kids will remember this for the rest of their lives. Crystal Palace has not done anything on this scale in the grassroots for a little while and it’s an amazing venue. You know, I actually saw Carl Lewis run here once. Just look at this place, it’s the spiritual home of track and field. The use of it needs to be maximised and we will do everything we can to enhance the past and bring it all back.
GMAX Trackstars partnered up with the Rio Ferdinand Foundation to put on the festival, with both organisations emphasising the positive impact community can play in society.
A charitable group, GMAX Trackstars has a unique funding model – a bustling yoga studio and café provides the income which goes into funding coaches, delivering sessions and school visits – and partnerships with Ferdinand’s foundation will only help inspire more of the next generation.
Community Athletics Festival (GMAX Trackstars)
“We’re modifying and growing and now we’ve come on board with Rio…
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