Austrian Ski Association Introduces New Initiative “Optimal Sports”
The Austrian Ski Association (ÖSV) has invested a lot to create optimal conditions for athletes, coaches and staff. Educational measures to foster personality and character development for athletes were a central part of the initiative.
The Austrian Ski Association has now taken one more step by introducing the programme “Optimal Sports”, which was developed by ÖSV in cooperation with Professor Martina Leibovici-Mühlberger, an expert in organisational management. The programme aims at stressing the role of sport as a means for positive societal change and is meant to become a “quality seal” for the Austrian Ski Association.
“We are hoping for further improvements in creating the prerequisites for athletic success of our athletes”, ÖSV President Peter Schröcksnadel said at the programme’s presentation in Vienna (AUT).
A clearly structured plan is now in place for cases of abuse, harassment, , stalking and more. A dedicated, external office has also been set up, where affected persons can find help if a problem occurs. A new ethical code has been in force within the Austrian Ski Association since December 2019 and is binding for athletes, coaches and service staff.
Leibovici-Mühlberger presented quality criteria to foster health, movement and a development of values and attitudes:
- Strengthening of personality: to develop the best in every single person
- Health development: personal responsibility within the community
- Awareness of resources: considerate and responsible use of resources
Details for the concrete implementation within ÖSV will be developed in the coming weeks. For the Austrian Ski Association, Optimal Sports is a vision and mission for the success of the organisation. Optimal Sports will be established as a brand, which will also be provided to partners. The detailed catalogue of criteria will be developed in cooperation with further experts and is also meant to inspire schools, ÖSV partners and other sports organisations to develop respective initiatives within their spheres.
