Around 4,000 visitors accepted the invitation from Stadtwerke Gießen (SWG) and came to the Ringallee outdoor swimming pool last Sunday for the ‘Spiel’ Dein Spiel’ – City Day. There, they had the opportunity to try out various sports, which clubs from Gießen and the surrounding region showcased as part of the popular event.
“This is the eighth time we’ve organised the ‘Spiel’ Dein Spiel’ – City Day. And we’re always delighted to see how much fun the children have and how open they are to giving the various sports a go,” says Ulli Boos, SWG’s company spokesperson. This is an integral part of the ‘Play Your Game’ initiative, through which SWG is pursuing a clear goal: to motivate children and young people to take part in sport and physical activity. Local sports clubs play a key role in this concept, as it is their numerous volunteer coaches who make the wide range of sporting activities for young people possible in the first place. “We want to support this invaluable service to society through our campaign,” adds Ulli Boos. In fact, the participating clubs also benefit from the “Spiel’ Dein Spiel” – City Day. The event offers them a platform to showcase themselves and their activities, thereby attracting new members.
From little-known to traditional
For the eighth edition of the “Spiel’ Dein Spiel” – City Day, the SWG managed to secure four clubs, which demonstrated five ball sports. As was the case last year, floorball – a sport still relatively unknown in this part of the country and presented by MTV 1846 Gießen – attracted many young people. No wonder. After all, this fast-paced and action-packed game combines elements of hockey and ice hockey. Even more physical exertion was required for American football. And the Giessen Golden Dragons once again proved to be ideal ambassadors for a US sport that is gaining more and more followers in this country. Equally well attended was the stand run by the GIESSEN 46ers Basketball Academy, which showcased the second quintessentially American sport. Things took a decidedly more traditional turn with HSG Kleenheim-Langgöns and HSG Pohlheim. These two dedicated clubs demonstrated why handball is so popular here in Central Hesse. Michael Rogalla, alias Clown Ichmael, introduced his young guests to the art of balancing and juggling in his mobile circus barn. There was plenty on offer in the pools too: The DLRG lifeguards demonstrated how they rescue drowning people from the water. And course leader Claudia Storck from the Giessen swimming pools managed to motivate numerous visitors to move to the beat of some lively rhythms during an Aqua Zumba session in the water.
Apply now
“With our ‘Play Your Game’ campaign, we’re targeting clubs, schools and other organisations that provide meaningful physical activity programmes for children and young people,” explains Ulli Boos. Applying for a grant is incredibly straightforward. The SWG have provided an online form at www.swg-spieldeinspiel.de. Simply fill it in and submit it. The SWG will review every application.
Further information is available at www.swg-spieldeinspiel.de. SWG also posts updates on its social media channels: on Facebook at www.facebook.com/stadtwerkegiessenag and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/stadtwerke_giessen