The District of Kannur has a strong sports culture and is very rich in Sports talents especially in Track and Field athletics. Many outstanding athletes have emerged from Kannur who have excelled in national and international athletics arena. The people of this region consider sports as an important aspect of their social life and committed in supporting and promoting talented young athletes to excel in the sports. Some of the institutions and organizations are doing significant contribution in identifying athletic talent and nurturing them .The District athletics association as an affiliated unit of Kerala State Athletics Association has the leading role in supporting and co-coordinating the Athletics programmes and competitions in the district. Association mainly concentrate on organizing competitions in all the age categories, select district teams, conduct coaching programmes and ensure maximum participation of athletes in state and National level championships.

Kannur District Athletics Association is a registered organization and now it has 54 affiliated unites actively participating in all its activities. The association is functioning with the mission to attract talented children and to promote them in achieving their best in the field of Athletics with the support of the affiliated units and assistance from the State athletic association.