The sports ministers are backing a German Olympic bid, but are also calling for more investment in popular sports. In order to attract people to sport and exercise, sports facilities need to be in good condition, said Theresa Schopper (Alliance 90/Greens), Chair of the Conference of Sports Ministers, after a meeting in Chemnitz. However, there is a lot of catching up to do. The sum of one billion euros promised by the federal government for the modernization and renovation of sports facilities was an important signal.
More investment is needed in both the infrastructure for popular sport and for elite sport, emphasized Hamburg's sports senator Andy Grote (SPD). To this end, sport must also benefit from the new special fund for infrastructure. It is important that everyone who wants to do sport can find a modern, attractive, affordable sports facility as close to home as possible. There is a renovation and modernization backlog in many places. "Every euro, every cent that we invest in sport is an investment in the political stability and cohesion of our country," said Grote.
No exact year for the Olympic Games in Germany
The ministers see a German bid for the Olympic Games as an opportunity to provide lasting impetus for the development of sport in Germany. A decision on which city or region should enter the race is to be made by fall 2026. However, the ministers want the Games to benefit the whole of Germany and, above all, existing competition venues should be used and upgraded.
The bid will not focus on a specific year, explained Saxony's Sports Minister Armin Schuster (CDU). "We will remain a candidate until we have made it." That could be 2036, 2040 or even 2044.
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