Athletics Canada announces standards & new National Championship format for Toronto 2010
Monday, May 10, 2010
OTTAWA – Athletics Canada published the standards
today for the 2010 Canadian Track & Field Championships taking place in
Toronto July 28-31 at Varsity Centre (University of Toronto). As part of
the Registration and Technical Package announcement, Athletics Canada is also
communicating plans regarding the new format which will be piloted at the
championships.
The 2010 Canadian Track & Field Championships will
feature two distinct components. The format, developed in conjunction
with representation from athletes, the host broadcaster, marketing partners and
the local organizing committee, is being piloted with the objective of
enhancing the entertainment and marketing appeal of the championships.
The following is an overview of some of the changes which are being piloted:
- The championships begin on Wednesday and end on
Saturday as CBC’s live telecast comes to an end. CBC will broadcast 2
live hours on Saturday July 31 beginning at 4pm ET.
- The Qualifier portion of the meet is
scheduled for July 28-29; this portion will see competition from eligible
athletes who haven’t met the automatic qualifying standards.
- Modeled after the IAAF Diamond League
competitions, the Championships section (July 30-31) will feature 2-days
of nonstop action where only semi finals and finals will be contested during
these two days in compact sessions.
- Dependant on the number of athletes who achieve
the automatic standard, a certain number of spots for the Championships
section of the competition will be up for grabs during the Qualifier days.
The respective number of spots available per event will be publicized on July
21st following the closing of entries on July 18th.
Kevin Sullivan, Canadian 1500 metre record holder and one of
two athlete representatives on the board weighs in, “I
am looking forward to the changes in the schedule of the 2010 Track & Field
Championships. The program is now condensed into 2-3 hour sessions which
will make the event much more exciting for the spectators. While the new
schedule is quite a change from previous editions, it is important to continue
packaging and marketing our sport as an exciting option for the track fan as
well as the casual sports fan.” The three time Olympian adds, “With these
changes, Athletics Canada is making efforts to increase the visibility and
marketability of the National Championships and I commend them for it."
At the completion of this years’ trial, Athletics Canada
will consider, with its partners, the possibility for future National Seniors
of opening the Qualifier portion of the championships to all registered
members of Athletics Canada. This would provide all members with a
competitive opportunity to earn their way into the Friday & Saturday
sessions.
Visit www.athletics.ca/toronto2010
to view the Registration & Standards Package, the Technical Package and all
other information relating to the 2010 Canadian Track & Field
Championships.
-AC-
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