The German government has launched a new basis for the promotion of elite sport in Germany. "Our goal: more German medals at international competitions," said the Minister of State for Sport, Christiane Schenderlein (CDU), in Berlin. "We are reorganizing the system with a stronger focus on performance, potential and comprehensible decisions." The core of the reform is a new top-class sports agency, which is to be set up as an independent institution. The agency is to be based in Leipzig.
The cabinet approved a sports funding law, which will now go through the parliamentary process. Schenderlein spoke of a "milestone for German elite sport" and a key reform. "Our aim is clear: we want to strengthen the performance of German elite sport, and this requires structural changes." Schenderlein also spoke of a law for the athletes. For the first time, the possibility of direct individual support will be enshrined in law.
