The educational and learning programme, entitled "Run Jump Throw", was introduced at a Ceremony in St Louis.by two legends of American athletics, nine-time Olympic champion Carl Lewis and heptathlon world record holder Jackie Joyner Kersee, alongside officials from both companies 

The scheme is targeting those aged between seven and 12 and aims to introduce youngsters to the basic activities of running, jumping and throwing through athletics.

Using a curriculum developed by USATF, it will be available across the United States and will offer the opportunity to participate in fun, hands-on learning events designed to "build basic running, jumping and throwing skills and have fun exploring track and field".

The initiative is the key piece of a larger partnership between USATF and Hershey that extends through to 2020, while it also builds on the success of Hershey's Track & Field Games, a youth track and field programme launched in the 1970s,

Nine-time Olympic champion Carl Lewis and heptathlon world record holder Jackie Joyner-Kersee unveiled the partnership ©Getty Images





"This new programme is a true partnership of two great organisations," said Bernie Banas, Hershey's vice-president of customer innovation and Hershey's Track & Field Games board chair.

"As Hershey looked at how to expand the reach and impact of our long-standing commitment to youth activity through track and field, we were inspired by the legacy of our founder, Milton Hershey, and his commitment to youth development through learning.

"Through partnering with USATF, we look forward to creating more learning opportunities and expanding the reach of our track and field programme and the sport as a whole."

Similar enthuasiasm was conveyed by USATF chief executive Max Siegel.

"We are thrilled to bring Hershey on board as a long-term partner and are excited about the work we will do together in the youth activity space," he said.

"With Run Jump Throw, we are creating a foundational program for track and field as well as all activities and sports.

"Positively impacting culture and improving lives is something we aspire to achieve, and we couldn't be more proud to have Hershey as our partner in this effort."

More information can be found at the official website here.