295 people are still missing before the sound barrier will be reached. The Duisburg City Sports Association announced on Thursday at its annual press conference that 99,705 citizens in this city currently belong to a sports club. Of course: in a year at this time, the number of people participating in sports organized in a club is expected to be in the six-figure range. But the following already applies: the membership numbers make it clear what power sport has in Duisburg.
More articles:
In Duisburg, sport takes on the role of a “20 percent party”. With this force behind them, the city sports association appears confident. SSB boss Hans-Joachim Goßow highlights the importance of sport. It’s not just about exercise, results and fitness. “We contribute to social peace in the city,” says the long-time managing director of the World Games Association.
Traditionally, the City Sports Association’s annual press conference not only includes kale with Kassler and Mettwurst, but the officials also always take a critical look at things on this occasion. The “Pact for Sport” will expire at the end of 2026. The SSB is already sitting at the negotiating table with the city; overall, the association not only wants more financial resources for sport, but also to take on greater responsibility. “We take on the city’s mandatory tasks,” says Goßow.
If we have 5,000 I-Dotzchen, there must also be swimming courses for them.
Karl-Heinz Dinter, SSB board member
Board member Karl-Heinz Dinter gave an example. 1000 children were able to learn to swim this year. The city did not provide the corresponding funds of 100,000 euros. The item is not included in the budget. Sparkasse Duisburg stepped in. However, the SSB sees the municipality as having a duty here. Dinter: “If we have 5,000 students, there must also be swimming courses for them.”
Uwe Busch, managing director of the Duisburg City Sports Association, is retiring at the end of the month.
© FUNKE Foto Services | Alexandra Roth
For the last time, Uwe Busch, managing director of the city sports association, sat at the table at the press conference. Busch is retiring on December 31st. Peter Serfort, his successor, was already there on Thursday. He has been working for the city sports association in the areas of qualification, health and older people for ten years and most recently served as assistant to the management. The 40-year-old, who according to the SSB was able to prevail among 30 applicants, brings the corresponding stable smell with him. “The city sports association is a reliable partner in sport,” says Serfort, who is looking forward to making sport in Duisburg “experienceable and noticeable.”
Uwe Busch succeeded the then managing director Walter Kaus at the SSB on April 1, 1989. A good 36 years later, an era ends. But the former badminton player doesn’t quite go – at least. On Thursday he spoke of “issues close to his heart” in which he would continue to get involved. It’s no secret that this includes the Rhine-Ruhr Marathon and the sports show.
Then there will be the general meeting on April 23rd with new elections. Goßow doesn’t want to reveal who will be running everything: “That’s a topic we’ll address next year.” It is no secret that Sandra Niedzwiedz will continue to be a member of the board. She is currently a provisional member. One place had been vacant since June 2024 after Susanne Hering’s resignation.
