Even today, the Olympic buildings in Kiel-Schilksee are a reminder of the important sporting event that once took place here. The sailing competitions of the Olympic Games were held in the state capital twice - in 1932 and 1972. A third time is to follow in 2036 or 2040. At least that's what the city of Kiel is planning. It wants to bid to host the sailing competitions.
Support for the endeavour comes from the state. In its November session, the Schleswig-Holstein state parliament voted across party lines in favour of a bid. In addition to sailing, the disciplines of coastal rowing and open water swimming are also to be organised.
Kiel and SH: "Gold-worthy brands"
Schleswig-Holstein's state parliament president, Kristina Herbst (CDU), commented: "Sportland Schleswig-Holstein and Kiel Sailing City are two brands worthy of gold that go well together and can do the Olympics - we have already proven this in the past."
Kiel's Lord Mayor Ulf Kämpfer (SPD) adds: "Kiel is not only a Sailing City, but also a globally recognised sailing and sporting event city as well as a climate protection and zero-waste city. We have many strong arguments and good ideas for Olympic competitions." Kiel Week has already shown that the city is experienced in the realisation of such major events.
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Kiel's arguments in favour of the Olympics
One advantage of the city of Kiel is that it already has plans from a previous Olympic bid, as the state announced in a press release. This means that future-orientated urban development can be combined with the requirements for Olympic competitions.
In addition, necessary investments in the sailing centre in Kiel could be initiated and strengthened for the coming decades, regardless of the Games. In addition to Schilksee, other communities such as Laboe should also be included in the bid.
In 1972, not only were the Olympic buildings erected in Schilksee for the Games, but the motorway link to the A7 and the Kiellinie were also expanded. Mayor Kämpfer is hoping for a similar investment boost from this application.
German Olympic bid still open
The city and the state now want to develop concepts to clarify what the implementation could look like and where the financial resources should come from. This is set out in the motion passed by the state parliament.
However, Kiel can only become the venue for the Olympics if Germany submits a bid at all. This decision will not be made until next year at the General Assembly of the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB). There is also the possibility that the city of Rostock will also submit a bid and be considered as a venue.
Fabian Boerger
Editor News & Panorama
