Under the chairmanship of Rhineland-Palatinate, the sports ministers and senators as well as state secretaries of the federal states met in Mainz on November 3rd and 4th. The main topics of discussion were the energy crisis and its impact on sports, as well as preparations at the state level for the Olympic Games and Paralympics in Paris 2024, as well as other major sporting events in the coming years, including those in Germany.
After the restrictions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the energy crisis represents another immense challenge for sports throughout Germany. Sport is more than just a recreational activity – it is part of social services, fulfilling important functions for society as a whole. For this reason, organized sports still need access to municipal and club sports facilities despite the exorbitantly increased energy costs. Therefore, the conference welcomed the decisions of the Conference of Prime Ministers with the Federal Chancellor on November 2, which explicitly aim to relieve clubs – including sports clubs – as well as private households through the planned gas and electricity price caps. Furthermore, the necessity of including clubs in the so-called hardship scheme was expressed as a requirement towards the federal government. At the same time, the state representatives committed themselves to the sustainable adaptation of the respective sports facilities in terms of climate protection and energy savings through funding programs and financial support in view of a high need for renovation.
In connection with the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics, an "Extraordinary Sports Ministers Conference" was scheduled in Saarland for April 18/19, 2024, upon the suggestion of Sports Minister Reinhold Jost. Sports Minister Reinhold Jost: "The 2024 Olympic Games and Paralympics will take place in Paris, and thus closer than ever before, practically on the doorstep of our Greater Region and at the heart of Europe. We therefore want to use this great opportunity for our region to create sustainable synergy effects and especially to present Saarland as a good host. Against this background, I am pleased about the SMK's decision to hold the extraordinary Sports Ministers Conference in Saarland in the next-but-one Olympic year, 2024."
Thus, Saarland not only offers a particularly well-suited location for preparing for the games with the Hermann-Neuberger Sports School in Saarbrücken. Athletes from all over the world and their support teams can stop over in Saarland to acclimate and prepare under optimal training conditions before traveling to the respective games in Paris. The excellent rail connection, which allows travel from Saarbrücken to Paris in just two hours, especially facilitates this and thereby makes Paris virtually a "suburb of Saarbrücken" – an opportunity that the state government, together with many partners from sports, culture, tourism, politics, and other interested parties, will optimally use for our region.
“We also hope to generate impulses for Saarland sports as a whole. The focus on the Saarland location can thus inspire even more Saarlanders to engage in sports and, consequently, in our club life. Especially children and young people may get to know one or two new sports they might not have otherwise discovered – but above all, the exchange with other cultures from around the world and, in regard to the Paralympics, the topic of inclusion in and through sports is at the forefront. All in all, positive prospects. Additionally, we create great synergy effects for other areas, particularly tourism. Guests from all over the world will stay here and come to know and love our beautiful country,” the Minister of Sports continued.
