The Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the IAAF World Championships, Daegu 2011, is today celebrating ‘500 days to go' to their hosting of the championships next year (27 August to 4 September 2011).
The LOC is using the moment of ‘D-500' to unveil its official mascot and poster, two of the key components in the second phase of its promotional campaign, ‘Creating Championships Mood' which began in January of this year.
The 2nd Daegu International Marathon was held last Sunday (11 April), and next month the IAAF World Challenge ‘6th Colorful Daegu Pre-Championships Meeting 2010' will be staged (19 May), important organisational tests for the LOC.
With the Team Leaders' Site Visit in May and the Technical Suppliers' Meeting in June, the next few months represent a crucial stepping stone in the organisational build-up to 2011.
"We have reached a significant point on the road to Daegu 2011," commented IAAF President Lamine Diack in a video message sent today to the LOC.
"14 April marks exactly 500 Days to go until the world's best athletes from over 200 member federations meet at the IAAF World Championships in Daegu."
"To celebrate this occasion, I delighted that the Local Organising Committee is launching the official mascot and poster. Similar to the official logo, the mascot and the poster, which were recently approved by the IAAF Council, represent the colourful Daegu brand."
"I am sure that their warm colours and happy images will appeal to the youth, and help to activate the city's and the world's excitement about Daegu 2011."