The German Sports Federation : Germany

The central sports organization in Germany is the German Sports Federation, which embraces 16 regional sports federations and many individual sports associations. In all the various branches, there are approximately 2.5 million people working in an honorary capacity as coaches or officials. The western part of the country has a large and field events. Water sports, too, are very popular, and there are various possibilities for the physically disabled, senior citizens and mothers with small children.

Popular and recreational sports are also promoted by the German Sports Federation’s programs “Trimm dich” (Get Fit), “Sport ftir alle” (Sports for All) and “Im Verein ist Sport am schonsten” (Sports Are More Fun in Clubs), which include open competitions in running, swimming, cycling, skiing and hiking. Millions of sports enthusiasts take part in these competitions every year. About 750,000 people a year have their performance in various sports tested in order to qualify for a gold, silver or bronze “Sports Badge” awarded by the German Sports Federation.