“These are people who keep giving you hope, even during the pandemic,” said Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, praising those who volunteer and “who keep society going” at the presentation of the Sport Star. This year, the association Congrav New Sports from Halle an der Saale prevailed with the concept of a conversion of a commercial hall for trend sports financed by crowdfunding, lottery funds and donations.
In his speech, Steinmeier also called for “volunteer work to remain attractive” and be supported. Politicians have the task of ensuring that clubs can continue their voluntary work and win back the members they lost during the pandemic. “That has never been more important than in the past two years,” said Steinmeier, “since people who had to stay at home were kept in touch by their clubs, where they were offered sports.”
It is important to check whether the tax regulations are sufficiently attractive to attract volunteers. Bureaucracy must be limited as much as possible, especially for small clubs without full-time staff: this will be important in the coming years. Steinmeier called on companies to support sports and clubs. If you are thinking about sponsoring, you should also look at home and keep an eye on the small clubs, “because we need a wide range so that top-class sport is possible”.
The final of the Stars of Sports, the annual gala of club and popular sports in the DZ Bank at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, took place on the screen for the second time on Monday. Winners and audience were connected via video because of the pandemic.
