Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The 2026 Kids’ Athletics Day campaign celebrated its fifth anniversary, engaging over seven million children worldwide in more than 10,000 events across 110 countries. The campaign encourages children to move, play, and explore athletics, promoting values such as inclusion, learning, sustainability, and community.
Venezuela was named the winner of this year’s Kids’ Athletics Day Challenge after organizing more than 8,000 Kids’ Athletics activities in May, spanning 25 states. These activities involved children from schools, clubs, and community groups nationwide, ensuring broad participation.
The campaign's success in Venezuela was due to collaboration between the Venezuelan Athletics Federation, the Ministry of Sports, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Communes. Franklin Cardillo, Venezuela’s Minister of Sport, credited the support of coaches, regional federations, and the national athletics association for promoting athletics across the country.
Sustainability efforts included using recyclable materials as equipment and teaching children about environmental protection. As the challenge winner, Venezuela will receive a US$10,000 award to further promote Kids’ Athletics or similar youth activities in the country.