The energy crisis is a problem affecting all sectors of society. Everywhere people are looking for ways to save energy. Closed indoor pools, ice-cold gymnasiums, no hot showers after the game. In sports, too, they have to think about how gas and electricity consumption can be curbed.
Saving energy is essential in these times. Everyone can do their part and sports clubs are by no means excluded, especially since it is about the common good. However, sport cannot simply be seen as a leisure activity that can be neglected, sport is about – health. Due to the pandemic, sports facilities have repeatedly had to close in recent years. This has made physical inactivity a major problem for many people, especially children. Lack of exercise not only causes obesity, but also has negative psychological effects. That has long been proven.
Indoor swimming pools and ice rinks in particular could be affected by closures in the future. They require a lot of energy in comparison. Some ice rinks will probably not open at all this year and the German Association of Cities is now recommending the short-term closure of indoor swimming pools – a recommendation that has been heavily criticized by the German Olympic Sports Association. The fact that indoor swimming pools or ice rinks are not only used for leisure activities, but are also important for club sports, is neglected.
But even without the closure of indoor swimming pools, sports clubs are faced with the problem of rising operating costs due to the energy crisis. The state should help the clubs here. After all, the continuous operation of the sports facilities, even in the winter months, is in the public interest. As a society, we have to learn from the pandemic.
While everyone should try to reduce energy needs, exercise is important for both body and mind and children should not be forced to give up their sport, even competitive sport, for long periods of time if it can be avoided.
