10 January 2018 

UK Athletics has today confirmed plans to evolve its hugely successful exhibition ‘Coach’ created for Black History Month, into a further celebration of diversity in the sport of athletics with the launch of ‘Women on Track’.

The exhibition – supported by UKA partners Grant Thornton – is to be hosted in London at City Hall from 16 January – 2 February. It aims to showcase the landscape of women in athletics, and follows up on the successful concept of the original ‘Coach’ project with inspirational and truthful images taken within their natural coaching environment.

‘Women on Track’ will also comprise further publicity for women working within the sport of athletics, and a women’s network event alongside charity partner Right to Play in March 2018.

Led by former athlete and now UK Athletics’ Vice President and Equality, Diversity & Engagement Lead Donna Fraser, the evolution of ‘Coach’ into ‘Women on Track’ ensures UKA continues its commitment towards celebrating and encouraging equality and diversity.

Matthew Ryder, Deputy Mayor for Social Integration, Social Mobility and Community Engagement, said:

“Women on Track highlights the enormous impact that women make to athletics as well as celebrating diversity and pushing equality across the sport. This year marks the centenary of the first women in the UK securing the right to vote, and I’m delighted to support UK Athletics in highlighting the dedication and expertise of women coaches through this exhibition at City Hall. It is important that we use this year to champion the fact that, behind every great city, are the achievements and contributions of women, from all walks of life.”

Michael A Samuels, Key Account Senior Manager for Grant Thornton said:  

“Grant Thornton UK LLP is delighted to support the ‘COACH’ and ‘Women on Track’ projects, celebrating and recognising diversity in the sport of athletics.  As a firm, our purpose is to help shape a vibrant economy, one that is inclusive and embraces diversity with its richness of perspectives, to help shape a future where everyone is able to play their part to help people, communities and the economy to thrive.”

On Women on Track, Donna Fraser said:

“After such a great year of athletics, we embark on another exciting year for our sport on and off the track.  2018 sees the 100th anniversary of votes for women in the UK Parliament, and what a better way to celebrate than to recognise women in our sport. 

“This exhibition is a continuation of the ‘COACH’ project and the first of many other ‘Women on Track’ initiatives, featuring female athletics coaches from across Great Britain and Northern Ireland in a photographic exhibition.  Gender equality is important to UKA and I’m proud to work with all the coaches who continue to ‘give back’ and inspire young people to get into athletics.”