The national governing body for athletics in Canada is called Athletics Canada. It includes several sports disciplines such as cross-country running, track and field, and road racing.
Athletics Canada is part of the IAAF, IPC, IOC, EAA, NACAC, CP-ISRA, JDFL, GCF, FISU, ISBA, and WADA.
The headquarters is located in Ottawa, Ontario, and is a non-profit organization. Currently, the principal president is Bill MacMackin of Saint John, New Brunswick.
The government is very supportive of sport in the country. This is why Athletics Canada is involved in many aspects at the local, national, and international levels. It provides the officials, the rules, and education for the coaches.
It also contributes to the development of athletes, sports science, youth programs, teacher competitions, and annual meetings.
This institution also organizes the annual championship of outdoor athletics and the championship of indoor athletics. Based in Ottawa, Ontario, Athletics Canada is a non-profit organization.
History
Established in 1984, it is one of the oldest affiliated bodies to the International Association of Athletics Federations, IAAF.
On September 27, 1884, the Canadian Athletic Championships were held. 20 years later, Étienne Desmarteau won the first Olympic gold medal, making Canada the champion.
In 1900, George Orton had won a gold medal but had competed in the Paris Games at the invitation of the United States.
From 1909 to 1967, it was known as the Canadian Athletic Association. In 1968 the IAAF recognized it as an autonomous group.
On April 12, 1991, the Department of Corporate and Consumer Affairs of the Government of Canada accepted the name change to Athletics Canada.
Athletics Canada was charged with hosting high-performance athletes from four disability groups. These include wheelchair athletes, blind athletes, athletes with cerebral palsy, and amputees.
Athletics Canada is an example to be followed around the world. It is living proof that governments can take charge of their countries’ sport. Sport is very important to promote, as it helps people maintain a healthy life and teaches them to know how to lose and work as a team. Factors that are critical to building a society.
