Seven clubs from Giessen and the region presented lots of sport, fun and action at the fifth "Spiel' Dein Spiel" - City Day last Sunday. A great opportunity for the numerous guests, young and old, to try out new things and take advantage of the various offers on the activity areas.
Stadtwerke Gießen (SWG) issued the invitation and over 5,000 visitors responded to the call: At this year's "Spiel' Dein Spiel" - City Day at the Ringallee outdoor pool, clubs from Giessen and the region presented their sports and seized the opportunity to present themselves to a wider public and to inspire children to get more exercise. With free admission, the guests gratefully accepted the colourful offer. The crowds at the stations were correspondingly large: "Many people took the opportunity to try out the various, sometimes exotic sports for themselves," observed Matthias Funk, Technical Director of SWG.
Colourful programme
Of course, the extensive programme that SWG put together with the seven clubs and two cooperation partners was crucial to the great popularity of the event. Michael Rogalla, alias Clown Ichmael, and his circus barn were once again a source of enthusiasm this year. He introduced the young artists to balancing and juggling. The Aqua Zumba programme was much more strenuous. A course instructor from SWG inspired numerous dancers in the water time and time again, energising them with her enthusiasm and driving them to peak performance. DLRG lifeguards demonstrated how to rescue drowning people from the water. TSG Blau-Gold Gießen gave the audience an insight into its fitness and martial arts divisions, as well as the still little-known sport of aerial hoop.
The ball is round
Players from TSV 1889 Klein-Linden gave an impressive demonstration of their football skills and proved once again that football is no longer a male domain. The Giessen Golden Dragons from MTV 1846 Giessen also provided plenty of action. The professional footballers demonstrated how they prepare for the tough season. Those who wanted to get active themselves could try out the somewhat toned-down version of flag football. The idea of the game is similar to American football. However, the typical physical contact is missing. Instead of tackling the opponent, all you have to do is pull a piece of cloth from his belt.
Keyword professionals. The JobStairs Giessen 46ers brought along a basketball hoop and encouraged the guests to throw a few balls themselves.
Dance and skill
At the Actic Fitness and KSV Wieseck stands, the aim was to knock over game pieces - in Kubb, a Scandinavian throwing game, or in sports bowling. A formation from Gießener Tanz-Club 74 also took part: the passionate rock 'n' roll dancers made the stage shake and gave the enthusiastic audience an insight into this fascinating sport, which perfectly combines dance, acrobatics and fitness. Last but not least, the pool shop tempted visitors with all kinds of practical swimming paraphernalia. And in between all this, SWG mascot Fabius kept everyone in a good mood with his amusing interludes.
What's behind the Spiel' Dein Spiel - City Day
As part of the "Spiel' Dein Spiel" campaign launched in 2017, SWG supports clubs, schools and other institutions involved in children's and youth sport with donations in kind. "The work of the clubs is immensely important for our society and their commitment cannot be overestimated," emphasises Matthias Funk. For this reason, Spiel' Dein Spiel - City Day has been part of the campaign from the very beginning. The event provides a platform for organisations from Giessen and the surrounding area to present themselves and their activities to a wider audience.
"Spiel' Dein Spiel": Apply now
Whether a club, school or private initiative: all institutions that offer children the opportunity to play sport in an organised way can apply for funding: Stadtwerke provides an online form at www.swg-spieldeinspiel.de. Simply fill in the form, upload the video and send it off. SWG will review the applications and provide feedback shortly.
Further information is available at
www.swg-spieldeinspiel.de and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/spieldeinspiel