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Sports For Future launch
The idea, which was initially proposed by Bundesliga club TSG Hoffenheim, is being brought to life and put into action by a network of notable figures from the world of sports. Among the initiators are Bundesliga club SV Werder Bremen, second-tier club VfL Osnabrück, the German Sporting Youth (DSJ), Global United FC , Fabian Hambüchen (gymnast), Anni Friesinger (speed skater), Holger Nikelis (wheelchair table tennis player), Sebastian Polter (football player), Jacqueline Otchere (pole vaulter), Lutz Pfannenstiel (football player) and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim.
''We want to be pro-active in taking on responsibility''
"Until now, the world of sport has had no audible voice when it comes to questions of sustainability, the climate crisis and how we as a society want to confront these problems. We too are not free of contradictions. This is precisely why we want to be pro-active in taking on responsibility," says Dr. Peter Görlich, Managing Director of TSG Hoffenheim. His partner in the club's board of management, Frank Briel, goes on to add: "We invite athletes, teams, clubs, associations and other interested parties to support this movement and in doing so help the world of sport contribute to the discussion on this topic of paramount global importance".
Dr. Hubertus Hess-Grunewald, President and Managing Director of SV Werder Bremen, explains: "We want to give the future a voice. For many years now, SV Werder Bremen has stood for a sense of social responsibility. In times like these, being a part of Sports For Future is entirely in line with our values and our understanding of ourselves as an organisation."
"Enabling children and young people to participate in social policy is one of the most important goals of our work. The effects of climate change will affect today's youth even more than the generations before them. Therefore, the participation of German Sporting Youth in this broad and strong alliance from the world of sport is obvious and important. This enables us to give young people, both in and through sport, a strong voice for the global challenges with which we are all confronted," says Benjamin Folkmann, Deputy Chairman of the German Sporting Youth (DSJ).
''We need a precise plan''
"As gymnasts, we regularly battle against the physical laws of nature. We know very well that there can be no compromises. If we are not sufficiently prepared, or we make a mistake, then we fail. The same applies to the climate crisis. There's no way we can outsmart nature and we therefore need a precise plan on how best to meet these challenges," says artistic gymnast Fabian Hambüchen, Olympic and World Championship gold medal winner on the high bars.
"VfL Osnabrück is one of the founders of Sports For Future. As a traditional member association, we support an active process of democracy and participation. We support a factual coming to terms with issues, based on scientific research and development, far removed from party-political patterns of thought and the sense of division and polarisation which can often be the result. With Sports For Future, we are adding another strong voice to the case for climate protection. Both in our unique stadium at Bremer Brücke and far beyond," says Jürgen Wehlend, Managing Director of VfL Osnabrück.
Holger Nikelis, two-time Paralympics gold medal winner in wheelchair table tennis, adds: "Through my accident, I learned what it's like to lose something for good. When it comes to the climate crisis, we still have the opportunity to act. That's what we should do - before there's no turning back."
Sports For Future, which sees itself as a movement for the entire industry, will in future operate as a registered charity with a clearly-defined agenda. "We want to bring the world of sport together, ask questions and join forces to take a clear stand. We are committed to a rational, science-based implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement, to a future worth living for young people and future generations, to a fair and respectful debate culture, as well as to solidarity and a sense of social team spirit," states Stefan Wagner, co-founder of Sports For Future.
On this basis, Sport For Future has set itself the task of launching its own campaigns, promoting projects, increasing know-how and strengthening sustainability, climate protection and democracy. To this end, the alliance is building on cooperation with the Cologne Business School, the Climate Arena in Sinsheim as well as various other educational establishments.
Manifesto, supporters and all other information can be found at:
as well as
www.twitter.de/sportsforfuture
www.instagram.de/sportsforfuture
www.facebook.de/sportforfuture
Excerpt from the Sports for Future manifesto:
''As sportspeople, we know very well that the collective is more important than the individual. We are united in a solidarity which transcends the divisions that may separate us in the sporting arena. In this spirit, we wish to play an active role in this cause which is of paramount importance for society.
We are Sports For Future.''
