The interest group Athleten Deutschland calls for a fundamental debate about top-class sport and state funding.
The interest group Athleten Deutschland calls for a fundamental debate about top-class sport and state funding.
With the analysis “Why is it worth it to us? – On the crucial question of state-sponsored top-class sport development in Germany”, the athletes’ representatives want to push this discussion forward.
The promotion of top-level sport with public funds has come under increasing pressure to justify itself in recent years. Despite a significant increase in federal funds in recent decades, Germany’s sporting success and medal haul in world sport has declined. The competitive sports reform that was launched in 2016 has not been able to change this so far.
What is the sport worth?
The debate on the purpose and goals of state support for elite sports in Germany is therefore overdue, it said in a statement. It is also about the fundamental question of the socially desirable functions of state support for elite sport. “Every few years we discuss Germany’s performance in medal tables and whether the increasing funding is justified,” said Maximilian Klein, co-author of the athletes’ association analysis.
However, juxtaposing the use of funds and the medals won in international competitions cannot satisfactorily resolve this discussion in this simplified form. “Our analysis should make a first contribution and spark a discussion about the actual and desired value of top sporting performance in our society,” said Klein.
Source: Stern
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