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Programme unveiled for newly-founded municipal athletics centre

atletismeEarlier today in the plenary hall of the Formentera Council, councillor of sport Jordi Vidal unveiled details behind the newly-established Escola Municipal d'Atletisme, a centre for athletics. The councillor explained that the municipal escola, or school, was founded with an end toward promoting athletics among island youth and creating alternatives for healthy living.

“We are convinced not only of the merits of athletics but also our ability to support the work of the Federació Balear d'Atletisme, which oversees a varied and extensive school sport programme,” indicated Vidal. According to the councillor, the Council's promotion of athletics stems from a desire to continue the work of “our dearly-departed John Tunks, as well as that of the Grup Esportiu Espalmador”. Councillor Vidal noted all league training and competition would continue under the Grup Esportiu's charge.

A fun, child-friendly brand of athletics
For his part, the Escola's director—José Alborch—outlined the nature of activity at the centre: For children aged three and a half to six, the programme will focus on making athletics enjoyable and accessible, while older youth (ages six to sixteen) will be able to receive more technical training.  

Open enrolment
The school's enrolment period has opened today and plans are to start the season Monday 14 September. Activities and training will take place at the local sports centre and on the tracks surrounding the municipal football pitch. Taking advantage of the pitch's recently-changed turf and an inner portion of the car park there, an additional track has also been added.

Runners from Formentera and Dénia gather for annual meet
Fundació Baleària provides important support to the sport through an annual collaborative agreement to contribute seven thousand euros and cover the cost of travel to competitions. Ricard Pérez Ivars, director of the Fundació, announced the foundation's goal of creating a joint yearly meet between Formentera and the municipal athletics centre in Dénia (l'Escola d'Atletisme de Dénia), thus bringing together the two territories that the Baleària transport company serves. Baleària's representative in Eivissa and Formentera—Joan Serra—wished the future sportswomen and men of Formentera the best of luck in their latest endeavour.