Saxony wants to support winter sports in the state this year with an investment of 4.9 million euros. The cabinet approved the proposal submitted by Sports Minister Armin Schuster in Dresden on Tuesday. "With the help of this special program, primarily projects at sports facilities of the top sports are to be promoted, which unfortunately have not found consideration in the annual funding planning of the federal government," said the CDU politician.
The additional investments are intended to secure the infrastructure for the existing traditional locations of winter sports. "In this way, we not only remain attractive as a venue for competitions, but also strengthen our winter athletes, clubs and tourism," Schuster emphasized.
A total of five winter sports facilities are to receive funding. The Wintersportclub Erzgebirge Oberwiesenthal, for example, is to receive more than 2.5 million euros to expand the snowmaking system including snow water pond storage. The so-called snow water is needed for technical snow production. In addition, the Free State wants to give the Vogtland Arena special-purpose association 800,000 euros for various measures. For example, for the procurement of snow holding nets, the redevelopment of the run-out bands or a general renovation of the ascent aid of the Vogtland ski jumps.
In addition, the biathlon arena in the city of Altenberg is to be expanded with a subsidy of 600,000 euros for use by disabled sports for training close to competitions. Similarly, funding of 450,000 euros is to be used to support the purchase of a conductor rail for the ascent aid at the Fichtelberg ski jump in Oberwiesenthal. Also the district Saxon Switzerland Osterzgebirge receives a support of 328,000 euro for the roofing of some curves of the bob run Altenberg.
The national promotion program is put on at present on five years. In total, the special program is expected to provide an additional 33 million euros for winter sports in Saxony from 2024 to 2027.
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