Sport connects: Vogelsberg Festival inspires with diversity and inclusion!

Sport connects: Vogelsberg Festival inspires with diversity and inclusion!

This took place on September 20, 20252. Sports Festivalof the Vogelsbergkreis in the picturesque castle park of the Altenschlirf community in Stockhausen. In the bright late summer weather, around 600 visitors flocked to a colorful range of activities that were not only fun, but also aimed at raising awareness of inclusion and health. District Administrator Dr. At the opening of the festival, Jens Mischak highlighted the unifying power of sport and emphasized the importance of everyone taking part in sporting activities. Together with Herbstein's mayor Astrid Staubach and Dominic Günther, the movement coordinator, he opened the event, which was organized by the federal program “Living Democracy!” and the state program “Sportland Hesse moves” was supported.

The festival attracted visitors with a variety of hands-on activities, including canoeing and kayaking, archery, football billiards as well as dance and movement activities. The activities offered offered an excellent opportunity to do sport together and share the joy of exercise. A highlight of the afternoon was an exciting football game between the Altenschlirf community and Kompass Leben, which ended 14:2 for Kompass Leben. The half-time break was celebrated with an impressive vaulting freestyle by the Lauterbach Stadt und Land riding and driving club. V. enriched, musically accompanied by the student band from the Alexander von Humboldt School in Lauterbach.

Inclusion through sport

The Vogelsberg Sports Festival focuses on inclusive ideas by bringing people of all ages and abilities together. Numerous supporters were active here, including Special Olympics Hessen, the Vogelsberg sports district and many volunteers and clubs. The event was part of the European Week of Sport and was also under the banner of “Sport in the Park”, an initiative of the Hesse State Sports Association. Visitors were able to explore numerous offerings at information stands that promote inclusion in sport, such as inclusive archery, table tennis and even a participatory circus.

The introduction of the exercise coordinator in the Vogelsberg district was particularly important, a step that took place as part of a pilot project to sustainably promote exercise and sport in the region. The initiative aims to raise awareness of the health benefits of exercise. Because like that World Health Organization (WHO) reports, regular exercise can significantly reduce the risk of NCDs and promote a healthier lifestyle. Millions of people are active in European sports clubs and benefit not only from sports training, but also from social interaction that strengthens the community.

Steps into the future

The positive response and active participation in this festival show that the Vogelsbergkreis is on the right track. A well-equipped club environment that focuses on health promotion is a crucial component in expanding and diversifying the sporting offerings in the region. Dr. Mischak and his colleagues agree: “Sport builds bridges and promotes cohesion in our community.” Looking ahead to future events, the sports festival will certainly attract even more visitors and continue to contribute to integration in sport.