University Congress in Marburg: Discover diversity in athletics!

University Congress in Marburg: Discover diversity in athletics!

The University Athletics Congress will take place at the Philipps University of Marburg on June 14, 2025. The event, which is designed under the motto “Diversity as Strength”, will attract more than 150 participants from all over Hesse. These include students, teachers and trainers. This hybrid event allows participation both on site and via a YouTube live stream. This is reported by the Philipps University of Marburg.

The university congress is organized by the Hessian Athletics Association (HLV) in collaboration with the Philipps University of Marburg as well as other Hessian sports science institutes and the German Athletics Association (DLV). This type of event, which takes place every one to two years, is the first congress in Marburg since 2015.

Diverse topics and renowned speakers

The program includes both lectures and practical workshops on a variety of topics. This includes inclusion in school sports, new competition formats and modern training methods such as high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Speakers like Prof. Dr. Martin Giese from the Philipps University of Marburg will present the importance of inclusion in athletics. Dr. Christian Simon from TU Darmstadt will speak about HIIT, while Kristina Isermann from the University of Kassel will discuss children's athletics throughout the day.

Another highlight will be the lecture by Thomas Gebauer, the coach of the BC Marburg handicap team, about inclusive athletics. Additionally, workshops on “Inclusive forms of play and exercise in athletics” and “Introduction to orienteering” are offered. Further workshops such as “Throwing Golf” and “Antique Javelin Throwing with Ankyle” expand the practical offerings at the congress.

A particular focus is on the critical examination of the Federal Youth Games as well as the motivation and competition formats in primary schools. The topics reflect the commitment of experts who are active in sports science and education, including Volker Jennemann and Thomas Gebauer, who are particularly committed to Special Olympics. The HLV emphasizes that the congress should represent a platform for exchange, networking and new impulses for school and club sports.

Conditions of participation and accreditation

Participation in the university congress is free of charge for students and teachers in preparatory service. Trainers have the opportunity to use the event to extend their HLV C and B trainer licenses. Accreditation is offered as a further training program at the Hessian Teaching Academy. The deadline for registration was June 4, 2025. Please note that personal registration is necessary in order to ensure exchange at the Philipps University Sports Institute.

Overall, the University Athletics Congress in Marburg promises to be an important event dedicated to inclusion in sport and the latest educational approaches. He will not only discuss current developments, but also strengthen cooperation between schools and clubs to promote an inclusive sports landscape.