Questions and answers Berlin, Hamburg or the Ruhrpott? DOSB starts the Olympic application project for Germany
Olympic Games in Berlin to mark the centenary of the 1936 Games would be of enormous historical importance
© Jens Kalaene
Olympic Games in Germany? That finally seemed impossible because of the negative attitude of the population. Now the German Olympic Sports Confederation is daring to try again to get Germans interested in applying.
The German Olympic Sports Confederation dares a new attempt: After a series of unsuccessful attempts for the Olympics in Germany, the DOSB is making the next attempt at an application. With the help of the “Your idea. Your games” campaign, the German Olympic Sports Confederation wants to get Germans enthusiastic about the idea of making the state the scene of the major sporting event again after Munich in 1972.
The umbrella organization also approaches possible organizers. Berlin, Hamburg, Leipzig, Munich and North Rhine-Westphalia are invited to discuss the best concept with the best chance of success. A German Olympic bid would be conceivable at the earliest for summer 2036 and 2040 or for winter 2038 and 2042.
What is the goal of the DOSB initiative?
The umbrella organization wants to develop an application concept in dialogue with the population that can win a majority. The big mistake in past Olympic projects was not getting the citizens on board and not taking seriously their fears of gigantism, high costs and environmental damage. “We want to break down as many reservations as possible that are based on processes and misconduct in the past,” explained Stephan Brause, head of the DOSB’s Olympic bid department.
How do you want to start a better conversation?
The DOSB wants to offer analogue and digital participation formats. This includes ten technical talks with experts from sports, business and sustainability, which can be followed via live stream from August. In addition, public dialogue forums are held in cities interested in an Olympic bid. In addition, the population should be involved via the website “deine-spiele.de” and on social media channels. “An application made by Germany,” advertises DOSB President Thomas Weikert.
What are the further steps towards an Olympic application concept?
The results of the dialogue process will flow into the so-called “Frankfurt Declaration”, which is to be presented on December 2nd at the general meeting of the DOSB. A German applicant and the targeted Olympic year could be named in May 2024. At the end of 2024 or 2025 there would then be referendums in the selected city or region with a final vote on a candidacy. There is no nationwide referendum.
What else is different about this process towards an Olympic candidacy?
Cities do not apply for this project, but the DOSB invited Berlin, Hamburg, Leipzig, Munich and North Rhine-Westphalia to the process. Together and not in competition with each other, the aim is to discuss which concept could be the best for Germany and the most internationally competitive. This also means that only existing sports facilities should be used. After the Summer Games in Munich in 1972, Berchtesgaden (for 1992), Berlin (2000), Leipzig (2012), Munich (2018 and 2022), Hamburg (2024) and the Rhine-Ruhr Initiative failed with their Olympic projects.
Are there lessons from the failed Olympic projects?
All failed attempts were evaluated according to DOSB information. “But we don’t live too much in the past either, because a lot has changed since 2015. At the DOSB, at the IOC and in society,” said Brause. “You have to move with the times and take into account the needs of the next generations. The games of the future will definitely look different.” The Federal Government supports the new Olympic start.
Which city combinations would be conceivable for the Olympics?
Berlin should be practically set as a metropolis in a summer application. A possible bid for the 2036 Summer Games would have great historical significance 100 years after the Nazi Games. The combination with Munich would be attractive, where in August 2022 the European Championships in the Olympic Park from 1972 were already celebrated as a mini Olympics. The distance between Berlin and Hamburg would be shorter. The Rhine-Ruhr initiative also harbors hope. She wanted to bring the 2032 Summer Games to the country. According to the IOC statutes, it would even be possible to compete with four cities or clusters.
For which Olympic Games and Paralympics would an application be possible at the earliest?
The Summer Games will be held in Paris in 2024, Los Angeles in 2028 and Brisbane in 2032. In winter 2026, Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo will be the hosts. For 2030 and 2034 there are strong contenders in Stockholm and Salt Lake City. Therefore, the DOSB will concentrate on 2036 and 2040 in summer or 2038 and 2042 in winter with a candidacy. The award for 2036 should be pending at the IOC session 2026 in Milan at the earliest.
The DOSB does not want to give up after the first attempt, as international competition from Asia and Africa is to be expected. “There are always geopolitical factors that play a role in the award. That’s why, if there is an application, we would always apply for two editions,” said Brause. “So for summer 2036 and 2040 or for winter 2038 and 2042.”
tis / Andreas Schirmer DPA
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