"Play your game" is the name of the new sponsorship concept from Stadtwerke Gießen (SWG). Several clubs from Giessen and the region showed that the name says it all last Sunday at the Ringallee outdoor pool. On so-called guerrilla courts and several activity areas, visitors were able to try out sports, test their skills and live out their joy of movement.
Rhythmic movements, lively music and a smile on your face - all this characterises the fitness dance Zumba. Visitors to the "Play your game" day organised by Stadtwerke Gießen (SWG) at the Ringallee outdoor pool were able to experience first-hand just how much life energy it provides. Several SWG demonstrations gave them the opportunity to learn their first steps and fall under the spell of Latin American sounds. Between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., they were also able to try out numerous other sports on the outdoor pool grounds.
Nine clubs from Giessen and the region presented themselves and their activities - including the floorball team and footballers from MTV 1846 Giessen, the dancers from TSG Blau-Gold Giessen, the Giessen City and Country Athletics Centre (LAZ Giessen) and the handball players from TSV Klein-Linden. While the handball and football players had to prove their skill with the respective sports equipment, sprinting strength was required on the action area of the LAZ Gießen. This could be measured precisely using a light barrier. Those who prefer things a little slower and with a better sense of rhythm were in good hands on the dance floor of TSG Blau-Gold Gießen. Clown Ichmael also entertained the youngest visitors in his hands-on circus.
At the SWG meeting point, there was also the opportunity to challenge the wheel of fortune or support the Tour of Hope by buying a raffle ticket. Matthias Funk, Technical Director of SWG, was delighted that the day of action so perfectly embodied the idea behind "Spiel dein Spiel": "We want to provide even more support for children and young people to get active and develop their sporting skills through play. This is precisely why we launched the sponsorship concept. We are now focussing much more strongly on young people in grassroots sport, because this is precisely where financial support is needed."
The name says it all
With "Spiel dein Spiel", SWG is not focussing on one type of sport or on clubs. The company also wants to support schools or private initiatives that give children the chance to take part in organised sport. "During our research, we realised that children and young people in particular often lack the resources to repair or replace defective sports equipment, for example. This is exactly where we want to help," explained SWG company spokesperson Ina Weller at the day of action at the Ringallee outdoor pool. Uwe Volbrecht, Head of Pool Management at SWG, agreed and pointed out: "It's very easy to apply for sponsorship. There is an online form at www.swg-spieldeinspiel.de that clubs can complete and add a video. We review every application and let you know at short notice whether we are supporting the project and, if so, in what form."
The so-called guerrilla courts - small sports facilities that can be set up quickly and with simple means at almost any location - were very well received at the action day at the Ringallee outdoor pool. One more reason why SWG wants to use them again and again at future events. After all, almost any place is suitable for playing sport.
Further information is available at www.swg-spieldeinspiel.de and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/spieldeinspiel