PRAGUE, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- The project Ostrava Supports Continents was launched at a ceremony at Ostrava's town hall here on Thursday in Czech Republic, which includes 30 elementary schools and 27 secondary schools.
Led by the Czech Athletic Federation together with the City of Ostrava and the Moravian-Silesian Region, the concept involves a long-term competition for primary and secondary schools in the region.
The project will be promoted by ambassadors and patrons composed of past international legends and current Czech athletics stars.
"The goal of the 'Ostrava supports continents' project is to involve children in regular physical activities, because athletics is the foundation of all sports and this connection offers the chance," said Libor Varhanik, chairman of Czech Athletic Federation.
The ambassadors of each school are former leading athletic stars from all continents including former world 110m hurdles world record holder Colin Jackson, who was named the European ambassador; long jump world record holder Mike Powell, ambassador for the Americas; two-time world 400m hurdles champion Jana Pittman, ambassador for Asia-Pacific; and Nezha Bidouane, a two-time world 400m champion whom Pittman succeeded, the ambassador for Africa.
"I have been to Ostrava several times and I have always received a warm welcome and support from an athletically knowledgeable audience," Jackson said, "It's an honor for me."
