London, July 14 (IANS): International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) presidential candidate Sebastian Coe has launched a campaign film featuring world-known athletes past and present as well as British Prime Minister David Cameron.
The three minute film, which features Haile Gebreselassie, David Rudisha, Yelena Isinbayeva, Jess Ennis-Hill and Valerie Adams, is available to view at www.sebcoe2015.org, reports Xinhua.
Coe, president of the British Olympic Committee, said on Monday, "I am deeply touched that I have the support of such inspirational athletes and the prime minister.
"For as long as I can remember, athletics has been at the center of my life. It is the reason that I care so much about athletes of the past, present and the future and it is why I am running for the position of IAAF President. To have the support of such incredible and well respected athletes really means a great deal to me.
"With just six weeks to go until the IAAF election, I am continuing to speak to Member Associations across the world about their priorities for our sport. I am more convinced than ever that we are on the verge of a new golden era for athletics if we embrace the opportunities together and not shy away from embracing change where needed."
Rudisha, the reigning 800m Olympic gold medallist and IAAF world champion said, "Seb Coe wants to do more than just inspire young runners. He wants to reach out across the world to give them the tools to change their lives. We have a lot of hope in Seb and that he is the man to take our sport into the next level."
Isinbayeva, the pole vault double Olympic gold medallist and three-time IAAF world champion, said, "He understands the need to empower the federations to allow more athletes globally to fulfil their potential. I think he can do a lot because he is very smart, he is intelligent and has a lot of connections."
British Prime Minister David Cameron added, "If you think of what Seb has done for Britain and for sport, just imagine what he could do for athletics across the world. That's why I wish him the very best as he goes for gold yet again."