IAAF announces USD 500k solidarity fund to assist NACAC federations rebuild

Puerto Rico [ United States], Jan 16 (ANI): The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), on Tuesday, announced a USD 500,000 solidarity fund to help member federations in the North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) area recover from the devastating damage caused last year by the four hurricanes.

Lord Sebastian Coe, President of the IAAF said, "I hope these funds will go some way to rebuilding the sport in the countries most affected by the hurricanes."

"We know this is not enough but hope it will at least get the member federations affected back up and running. We will continue to seek further funds and work with the region to ensure athletes' training is as uninterrupted as possible."

"I would like to put on record my sincere thanks to NACAC Area President, Victor Lopez and his team for their unflinching and tireless work over the last five months keeping the member federations and me informed of what was happening and conducting a thorough audit of the damage that has occurred across the sport in the region."

The fund is made up of contributions from the IAAF, the International Athletics Foundation (IAF) and Seiko.

The allocation of funds will be handled by a dedicated team, headed by the IAAF, and based on the audit of damage and needs of those federations affected.

"For sports organisations like the IAAF, it is the moment to play a much more important role in the societies and be leaders of change taking initiatives to support regions and communities who are suffering."

"Our mission should not be just to create the champions on the track. We believe that is equally important to enable local communities to help embed our timeless athletic values in the lives of young people" concluded Coe. (ANI)