Over 120 children sprint at Het Gebouw for Corpus Kidsrun
The Leiden Marathon, De Bewegingsambassadeurs and the Atletiekunie rolled out a mobile sprint track on the schoolyard of Het Gebouw in Leiden on Wednesday 4 March. More than 120 children enthusiastically sprinted and challenged their friends to races against each other. With this initiative, the organisers want to show young people how much fun exercise can be in a playful and accessible way.
Het Gebouw in the Leiden neighbourhood De Kooi houses primary schools De Viersprong, De Springplank and De Singel. The schoolyard was specially transformed into a mini athletics arena for these pupils.
On three sprint lanes side by side, the children could test their speed. They challenged each other to races and cheered each other on enthusiastically. Those who wanted could even start from an official starting block — a unique experience for the young athletes.
The trainers from De Bewegingsambassadeurs were present all afternoon to give instructions and guide the children. Many parents also came to watch and added to the atmosphere on the schoolyard.
Part of the schools project
The visit of the Atletiekunie’s mobile sprint track is part of the Leiden Marathon’s schools project. With this project, the organisation aims to get children moving in a positive way.
By introducing them to athletics and running, a foundation is laid for an active and healthy lifestyle. The initiative fits within a broader ambition to make exercise accessible for all children in the region, regardless of their sporting experience.
Clinics and inspiration
The schools project officially kicked off last week with a successful launch at Leiden Atletiek. Olympian Nick Smidt was there to inspire the children with his story and experience at the highest level.
De Bewegingsambassadeurs, together with PE teachers, provide athletics clinics at multiple schools in Leiden, Voorschoten, Zoeterwoude and Leiderdorp. Both during and after school hours, they encourage children to be active. All participating children also receive a fun and educational booklet from the Leiden Marathon with tips on how to start running.
On to the Corpus Kidsrun
With the schools project, the Leiden Marathon organisation hopes to get many children excited about participating in the Corpus Kidsrun, which takes place on Sunday 10 May. Participation in the 2-kilometre run is completely free.
