AIMS views the promotion of running, especially in countries where the sport is not very well developed, as a vital area of support.  This support is not only directed toward elite athletes, but is to help promote running for kids and youth, as well.

AIMS provides financial support for children’s races, starting with the Sahara Marathon on February 27, 2006, in Tindouf, Algeria.  Each event receives $10,000 to help purchase t-shirts (in the country of the event), medals, certificates and small gifts. 

Each year, three children’s races are supported in Africa, Asia, and starting in 2010, in South America as well. 

At the Tokyo Marathon, participants collected donations and together with the sponsor, ASICS, provided additional funding for the AIMS Children’s Series as an investment in the future of the sport of running.

The presentation was created for the AIMS Board Meeting in february, 2010 in Takamatsu, Japan.

Horst  Milde