With the ceremonial handover of several comprehensively refurbished sports and school facilities, the city of Frankfurt (Oder) is sending a clear signal of its commitment to the long-term development of elite and grassroots sport. This week, four major construction projects were handed over for use at the sports centre and on the campus of the Frankfurt (Oder) Sports School.
Refurbishment work has been completed on the Oderlandhalle, the wooden velodrome and the central weight training room, whilst the sports school campus has been redesigned.
Mayor Dr Axel Strasser, together with representatives from the City of Frankfurt (Oder), the Brandenburg Olympic Training Centre, the Frankfurt (Oder) Sports School, the Bundeswehr Sports Promotion Group, the priority sports disciplines, and the planning firms and construction companies involved.
Future-proof infrastructure for elite sport
With total investment of around 4.56 million euros, training and learning conditions for elite and youth sport in Frankfurt (Oder) have been sustainably improved. The projects were made possible largely through funding from the federal government and the State of Brandenburg.
The largest single measure was the refurbishment of the roof of the Oderlandhalle, with an investment of around 2.38 million euros. (Funding: 50 per cent federal, 25 per cent state). The central training centre for German track cycling has been fitted with a completely renewed roof waterproofing system, including modern drainage systems, new skylights, a state-of-the-art lightning protection system and other safety-related installations.
The Oderlandhalle is one of the most important training centres for German track cycling. It is used on more than 220 training days each year by the national squad, young athletes, the para-cycling division and sports pupils.
Germany’s only indoor wooden velodrome that can be used all year round has also been modernised (total cost approx. 120,000 euros; funding: 50 per cent from the federal government, 20 per cent from the state). As part of the refurbishment, damage to the track surface was repaired, the riding surface was reconditioned and all markings were renewed in accordance with international UCI specifications.
Modern training facilities for numerous sports
Another key focus was the comprehensive modernisation of the central weight training room (total cost approx. 870,000 euros, funding: 20 per cent from the federal government, 40 per cent from the state). In addition to a new sports floor, a gallery featuring modern cardio and ergometer equipment was created. The free weights area was completely refitted and will in future offer optimal training conditions for all the key sports at the national training centres, as well as for the pupils at the Elite Sports School.
Sports school campus upgraded as a space for learning and living
With the completion of the outdoor facilities, the campus of the Frankfurt (Oder) Sports School has also been given a new look. As part of the Municipal Investment Programme (KIP) II – Education – Schools (total cost approx. 1.2 million euros, 90 per cent state funding), the project included the creation of an amphitheatre, a green classroom, a water feature, new sports and exercise facilities, two bicycle storage areas, and social and relaxation areas.
The newly designed outdoor facilities cater to the specific requirements of an all-day school. They create additional opportunities for outdoor lessons, socialising, relaxation and individual leisure activities, thereby enhancing both the quality of education and the quality of life for the school’s sports pupils.
With these investments now complete, Frankfurt (Oder) is underlining its status as a nationally recognised centre for elite and youth competitive sport, whilst at the same time creating a modern framework for the school education of young competitive athletes.