Commitment and cohesion even in Corona times

10 years of partnership: SPIRIT/21 and DJK Sportbund Stuttgart - table tennis

Problem or challenge? The framework conditions for economic and sporting activities are suitable for both perspectives during the corona crisis. However, none of this helps: instead of complaining about restrictions and a reduction in offers and services, the only way forward is to look positively. With great commitment and the willingness to take unconventional paths, the next goals can be achieved now - at SPIRIT/21 and at DJK Sportbund Stuttgart.

What does this NEW perspective look like?

Well, in mid-March, after the coronavirus outbreak, those responsible at Sportbund-Tischtennis asked themselves how things could continue in the future. Initially - until the beginning of June - table tennis could no longer be played in the hall. “The state ordinance didn’t give us a chance to do that - we had to accept that with understanding,” says department head Stefan Molsner. Instead, the club management asked themselves how the members could also be involved “at home”. No sooner said than done: “Sportbund members” were informed about the latest developments in weekly newsletters, player and staff portraits and, above all, prospects for the future. “In this way, we succeeded in maintaining emotional interest in the club and strengthening the community. We could see that in the many responses,” says Thomas Walter, Chairman of the Supporters’ Association, looking back on the otherwise gloomy time in March and April.

Then came the relaxation: from June 4, the state ordinance allowed training to resume. Albeit with many restrictions and rules that nobody knew about before. Disinfectant had to be purchased, masks had to be bought, barriers had to be organized, documentation lists had to be drawn up, signs had to be made and so on… But the hygiene concept that had been put in place was worth it. After all, 20 members were able to take the ball to the table again in the individual training sessions, a training camp with 40 participants was organized at the Albstadt State Sports School, and individual tournaments were held - always in strict compliance with the AHA rules.

Successful re-entry after the Corona break

The great commitment has paid off. Only three of the 200 members canceled their membership. Ten new members were recruited - the training program obviously attracted interested parties even in difficult times. What’s more, the Sportbund teams got off to a great start in every respect in the new 2020/21 season, which has just begun: physically fit, united as a team, viewing the return to action after the coronavirus break as a challenge and with newly awakened motivation. None of the twelve Sportbund teams suffered a defeat on the first matchday. A total of 29 teams - a nationwide record - started the new season. The two teams in the 3rd Bundesliga also scored points in their first game following their promotion (photo: Volker Arnold, women’s team).

Commitment and cohesion - even in corona times. With this motto, we have overcome the difficult times to date in the best possible way. And we look forward to normality whenever it returns in full. We have made good provisions for this time over the past six months so that our table tennis can continue. For 200 people. In the east of Stuttgart at the Sportbund. Just like SPIRIT/21 is doing. Our partner is the best role model …