Dresden (dpa / sn) – Saxony wants to continue to host international competitions in winter sports. Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer (CDU) made this clear on Tuesday after the third “Winter Sports Summit” with representatives of sports associations and clubs, district administrators and mayors from the affected regions. Kretschmer summarized the places under the abbreviation AOK: Altenberg – Oberwiesenthal – Klingenthal. “We have decided to continue investing here to ensure competitiveness.” This applies above all to the sustainability of the systems. It is about renewable energies and energy saving.
According to Kretschmer, the smaller municipalities must have a chance to secure the facilities in the coming years. “Saxony is a winter sports country, even if we see that the winters are getting warmer, that they are not so snow-sure in parts. You have to react to that,” he said. Wherever possible, the investments should also be used in the summer months, for example for tourism and popular sports. It is important to think about such synergy effects. Kretschmer attested to the great passion and enthusiasm of the Saxon population, especially for winter sports.
The FDP member of the Bundestag Philipp Hartewig referred to its political importance. “The radiance of winter sports strengthens the local economy and cohesion.” Saxony has a decisive influence on international winter sports through education, training and competitions. It is good that the last federal budget included 1.75 million euros for the renovation of the bobsleigh run in Altenberg. Financial support for the federal base for biathlon could also be secured.
“The political strengthening of winter sports is crucial for medium and long-term investments in facilities and tournament awards. Winter sports in Saxony have a future even in warm periods,” stressed Hartewig. The sports working group of the FDP parliamentary group sees “independence from snow as an opportunity” and is in favor of the approval of further artificial snow products. “Here, competence from the region also counts: Saxon universities and companies can also develop their innovative strength in the field of winter sports.”
