The President of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine and Vice President of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Sergey Bubka visited the World Half Marathon Championships in Copenhagen, where the world elite runners gathered.

The main Olympian of Ukraine noted the fantastic success of the new concept of the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships, as for the first time amateur athletes participated in the race. "Over 30 thousand recreational runners joined the best road runners of the world. They felt themselves a part of the great celebration of sport. In fact they were. They have become a part of the IAAF World Championships, which added even more enthusiasm to their hearts. The competitions were organized at the highest level, so the World Championships can be called one of the most successful one-day IAAF events," Sergey Bubka said.

The IAAF Vice President Sergey Bubka presented Mr. Karsten Munkvad, the President of the Danish Athletics Federation, with the award for the successful staging of the World Half Marathon Championships.

During his stay in Copenhagen Sergey Bubka visited Denmark House of Sports where the National Olympic Committee has its headquarters and together with famous athletes Kajsa Berqvist and Andreas Thorkildsen participated in a workshop for young athletes.

Sergey Bubka was pleasantly surprised by the attitude of the Danes to sport. "More than 70% of the Kingdom's citizens are involved in sport clubs or other sport organizations. Recently the country introduced at schools 5 compulsory physical training lessons a week instead of two. For these lessons professional coaches are involved. Denmark is a fine example to the whole world how to develop sport and make it part of daily life of every citizen," the NOC of Ukraine President concluded.