Track and field
Track and field or athletics is one of the major and most popular kinds of sports that unites walking and running at different distances, long jumps, high jumps, discus throwing, javelin throwing, hammer throwing, shot put, as well as track and field all round events like decathlon, pentathlon and so on. In modern classification of sports there are more than 60 disciplines making up track and field events.
The program of the modern Olympic Games includes 24 disciplines for men and 14 for women. Track and field competitions are a part of the programs of the largest continental sporting competitions: championships of Europe, Africa, Asia, Balkans, Britain, Pan-American games etc.
Athletics are based on natural human movements. Going in for track and field disciplines helps people to develop their bodies and strengthen their health. The ever-increasing popularity of track and field events can be explained by general availability and wide variety of disciplines and exercises, simplicity of techniques, possibility to vary loads and be engaged in such activities all year round.
Track and field disciplines are as a rule a part of governmental systems of physical education in schools. Various athletic exercises are included in programs of physical training of schoolchildren, school-leavers and students.
Athletics can be divided into outdoor and indoor ones. Outdoor athletic events usually begin in the spring and last through summer till late autumn, while the weather is fine. The indoor season usually runs through the winter.