From May 18 to 25, 2013, Mannheim will be a hive of activity. The international German Gymnastic Festival IDT („Internationales Deutsches Turnfest“) will attract a mass of sport enthusiasts throughout the local Rhine Neckar region. Mayor for Education and Sport Dr. Ulrike Freundlieb held discussions with both IDT organisation committee’s director Heinrich Clausen and Daniel Sautter, director of the Regional Sport Association, on this major event and its importance for Mannheim.

Over 200.000 people in Mannheim participate in sport. In doing this, they’re moving not only themselves but our society, since sport has an integrating influence. “This means Mannheim scores across the board as host and main venue”, Mayor for Sport Dr. Ulrike Freundlieb said as she spoke of next year’s major gymnastics festival.

The IDT will be organizing around 1000 competitions and popular sporting events with 22 municipalities of the region which will include rhythmic gymnastics, acrobatics or games such as volleyball or bowling. The 800.000 expected to participate and 20.000 guests will be attended to by approximately 10.000 voluntary helpers from various associations. The city will offer overnight accommodation for 60.000 visitors.

The organization of the IDT has a large impact on Mannheim’s candidacy for Capital of Culture in year 2020. “The two major happenings have three things in common: They embrace the mindset of the local region and express the enthusiasm of the citizens of Mannheim and the city’s potential for achievement”, Dr. Ulrike Freundlieb stated, as she went on to emphasize how pleased Mannheim is to take on the role of host in such prominent projects. Daniel Sautter from the Regional Sport Association praised the cooperation with the local public transport company which offers a well-developed bus and train network in the region. Heinrich Clausen from the IDT organizational committee called for volunteers.