The Pierre de Coubertin award is a treasured one in the world of athletics and when an Olympian came to Wellington, local Nick Trappett was impressed.
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Trappett was in awe of veteran steeple chaser Youcef Abidi, originally from Algiers, who admits he always gets questions about his age, 36.
"I will keep going until my body gives out because I love the sport and this country," he said.
"I started like Nick in Algiers working through the years and grades.
"In 2000 I decided Australia would be a better place for my career and I have never looked back," he said.
"For young men like Nick, Little Athletics is where you can get a start like I did. Two Olympic Games later (in Beijing and London) and being ranked sixth in the world proves you can do it," Mr Abidi said.
"I enjoy promoting the grass roots of the sport getting the message out about the sport and how you can achieve your dream."
Abidi is setting his sights on Rio in 2016 and the Commonwealth Games at the Gold Coast in 2018.
For Nick Trappett it was an honour to be selected for the prestigious award and his coach Alistaire Thompson said the young man was really an inspiration to others.
Registrations continue for Little As Monday.
Meanwhile, registration for the local Wellington Touch Football competition will be on September 3 and 17 at Rygate Oval from 5.30 to 7pm.
First game should kick of on October 8.
Juniors are also welcome to sign up on those dates for the junior registrations and to do an eight-week training clinic as well as the opportunity to play in the Hornets competition in Orange on November 23.
