Sports
IAAF Unveils New Name, Logo, Now ‘World Athletics’
The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) has unveiled a new name and logo, ‘World Athletics’, saying it will make the sport more accessible to wider audience.
A statement by the association released to the media in Ilorin, yesterday said that the new name was approved by the IAAF Council at its 217th meeting in Monaco.
“The new name, ‘World Athletics’, builds upon the organisation’s restructuring and governance reform agenda of the past four years to represent a modern, more creative and positive face for the sport.
“The new brand, council agreed, makes the sport more accessible to a wider audience while giving the global governing body the opportunity to more clearly communicate its mission as the leader of the world’s most participatory sport.
“The hope is that our new brand will help attract and engage a new generation of young people to athletics,” said IAAF President, Sebastian Coe.
On his part, IAAF Chief Executive Officer, John Ridgeon, said “we have now created a brand that can come to life in the digital world while reflecting the changing nature of the sport.
“At the same time, we have brought into focus the athletes, the heroes of our sport.
“The IAAF name has been in existence for over 100 years, but it has little understanding or relevance to those outside of athletics.
“The new identity creates a symbol that can stand alone and work with partners and events.”
The new brand will begin its roll out in October after the IAAF World Athletics Championships in Doha, and following Congress’s approval of the change to the federation’s legal name.
The logo design comprised three main elements: ‘W’ of World, which is also a symbol of an athlete’s arms raised in victory; ‘A’ of Athletics, which also represents an athlete’s focus as they prepare for the road ahead.
The third is an arc over both, to represent the entire athletics community coming together.
The logo also includes the sweep of a running track which appears in an upward trajectory, symbolising the desire to continually push beyond limits.
The patterns capture the energy present in all four of athletics’ group disciplines: running, jumping, throwing and walking.
The rebrand process began in January, 2018 when the IAAF invited five global brand and marketing agencies to respond to the brief outlining the rebrand concept.
From those, an internal team selected a short list, which then underwent a consultation process where Member-Federations, partners, athletes and broadcasters, provided feedback before the final version was presented to Council.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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