Stadtwerke Gießen and MTV 1846 Gießen extend their successful partnership by three years.
30 sports, almost 2,500 members and almost 180 years of history - MTV 1846 Gießen describes itself as 'Gießen's big sports club'. And it hits the nail on the head. With its extremely wide-ranging programme, the MTV caters for practically all age groups. In addition, the MTV has for many years managed the balancing act of being involved in both popular sport and in a semi-professional, performance-orientated environment. The traditional club has established itself with its Golden Dragons in the GFL2 - the second-highest German division in American football. "All of this makes MTV 1846 Gießen unique in the region," explains Ulli Boos, company spokesperson for Stadtwerke Gießen (SWG), adding: "We look forward to continuing our successful collaboration in the years to come." In fact, the association and SWG recently extended their cooperation, which began in 2016, until the end of 2027.
From Aikido to Zumba
In addition to traditional German sports such as football, gymnastics and athletics, the MTV's programme also includes more exotic, sometimes still young disciplines such as floorball, roundnet or the quidditch known from the Harry Potter films. There are also modern classics such as running, basketball, yoga and Asian martial arts. Last but not least, MTV also offers the opportunity to take part in traditional sports such as fencing, bounce ball and gymnastics.
In order to offer its members this variety, the MTV needs no fewer than 120 trainers and instructors. Some of them are in the hall or on the field several times a week and ensure that their protégés have fun exercising and playing. "Without sponsors, we would not be able to maintain our programme. That's why we are very happy that SWG continues to support us," summarises Mehmet Tanriverdi, Chairman of MTV Gießen.
Ideal complement
The two main reasons for SWG to support MTV have not changed: Firstly, both partners are pursuing similar goals. "Just like us, the MTV cares a lot about a region worth living in. We want to play our part in ensuring that people can continue to play sport at MTV in the future," says Ulli Boos, explaining the decision.
On the other hand, the co-operation works exceptionally well. For many years now, those responsible at MTV have managed to organise and run a traditional sports club in a highly professional manner. This combination has proven to be a successful model for years. "The fact that we are the largest sports club in the area in terms of membership is no coincidence, but the result of our work. We always question whether what we offer meets demand and are constantly adding new sports to our programme," reveals Mehmet Tanriverdi.
Above all, families appreciate what an important service the MTV provides for society - especially for children and young people. Around 35 per cent of members are under the age of 18. In addition to sport-specific skills, the coaches teach them important values such as mutual respect, fair play, team spirit, motivation, frustration tolerance and much more.
A meeting place
Of course, older people also like to come to Heegstrauchweg or one of the many other sports centres - and not just to keep fit. For many, the weekly appointment is a welcome change and the gym or sports ground is a place where they can meet nice people.
It is precisely this social aspect that is reflected in the MTV's sports programme. Basically, it is a reflection of human development: It starts with parent-child gymnastics, followed by various options for children and young people with a smooth transition to programmes for adults, for whom various courses make it easier to (re)start. The older generation can have fun with health sports, adventure dance or in one of the rehabilitation sports groups - even or especially if one or the other ailment restricts movement. In short, the MTV is the ideal place to go for people who want to get active. Regardless of their motivation, from all walks of life and of all ages. "This integrative element is what makes us special. We do everything we can to maintain and ideally strengthen it. The help of SWG plays a decisive role in this," summarises Mehmet Tanriverdi.