HISTORY OF VETERAN ATHLETICS

HISTORY OF WORLD MASTERS ATHLETICS

The story of Veteran Athletics began at grass roots level with middle-aged men and women striving to relive the enjoyment and good health bestowed by physical fitness. The earliest Veteran competitors were mainly road-runners, although some very long-standing records were set by sprinters, jumpers and throwers (M40 Don Finlay (GBR) hurdles 14.4 seconds in 1949; M40 Egon Nillson (SWE) high jump, 2.05 m in 1966; M55 Karl Hein (FRG) hammer 52.01 m in 1964).To recognise the desire of burgeoning numbers of these runners to compete at their own age level, the Interessen-Gemeinschaft C384lterer LangstreckenlC3A4ufer (IGC384L) was formed in 1968 and held its inaugural Marathon Championships in Holland. Pioneers of IGC384L were Arthur Lainbert, Meinrad NC3A4gele, Dr Ernst van Aaken of Germany and Jacques Serruys of Belgium.In the meantime, apparently quite independent of the Road-Runners movement, veteran athletes in many countries were forming organizations. In 1965 a leading USA track coach, Bill Bowerman, upon a visit to New Zealand, was invited by a group of "over 40" runners to take part in a local "jog". He discovered that running was a way of life in New Zealand. Upon his return his published revelations led to the formation of the USA Masters Track and Field Team by San Diego Attorney David Pain. After the 1972 Olympics at Munich, David and Helen Pain, together with a group of American Masters and groups from Australia and Canada competed in the first truly International Veteran Track and Field meet at Crystal Palace, London, organised by Woodford Green AC. Following this the group visited other European Countries. Everywhere, the tour touched off tremendous enthusiasm and lasting fellowship

The Masters competitions is now in all A.F.N organised Golden Leagues,A.F.N/AAC Grand prix and All Nigeria/CRS National trials in 2012.Hopefully we will competing at the Golden League in Port-Harcourt,Rivers State on the 30th to 31st 2012.Many has shown interest and registration is already on towards it.Pa Majekodunmi of 70 + category has already signify interest to be in Port-Harcourt,River State to do a little of the things in loves doing when he was young.Sure going to be fun and a coming together of old athletics foes and friends.
Are you 35 years and older? Do please join us by registering for this epoch event in Nigeria.

WMA2012 JYVÄSKYLÄ - March NEWS (06.03.2012)

Thank you for every athlete registering to the WMA Indoor Championships! Time for registration finished on Sunday 12th and its last five days were traditionally very busy; there were made over 500 online registrations during those days. 

Now that every federation has finally recorded to all their paper registrations, we know the final amount of athletes that is even 2720 from 66 different countries! You can find the final list from our web page:http://wma2012.jyvaskyla.fi/entry_booklet#registrated 

NIGERIA MASTERS TO HOST WEST AFRICAN MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIP 2013

Nigeria Athletics Masters has been given the opportunity to host the West African Region of the Masters Athletics by the African Masters Athletics in a letter to the body,the President of African Masters Athletics Leonie Paulette Etong says she would like Nigeria to organize the Championship in 2013.Hoping to give support to Nigeria in some needed areas.
This Nigeria Athletics Masters board members after due consultation has agreed to host,according to the President of Nigeria Athletics Masters Dr.(Mrs) Gloria Abimbola Obajimi is a welcome news that Nigeria Masters is being recognise in the development of Masters and to the glory of Masters in Africa.All modalities will be put in place towards making it a success and memorable one for all participant,officials and spectators.
Most veteran athletes spoken to really welcome the idea of Nigeria hosting the competition.