Enjoyable escapade amidst Salzburg's rural landscapes, despite moderate sunshine
The Thuringian Badminton Youth embarked on an unforgettable holiday in the picturesque Salzburg region of Austria in 2025. The trip, filled with sports, excursions, and team-building activities, proved to be a resounding success.
Sports Activities
Intensive badminton training sessions and practice matches were held to hone the skills and techniques of the 30 participating boys and girls. Additional fitness and conditioning workouts were also provided to boost their overall athletic performance. Friendly sports competitions were organized to foster team spirit and healthy competition among the youth.
Excursions and Cultural Experiences
The holiday was not just about sports. The group also enjoyed visits to local landmarks and natural attractions, offering scenic hiking and outdoor exploration. Cultural excursions to nearby towns or historical sites allowed the youth to immerse themselves in the region’s heritage and environment. Recreational activities such as swimming or group games were organized during leisure time to balance sports with fun and relaxation.
Highlights of the excursions included a visit to the salt mine in Bad Dürrnberg in Hallein and the traditional hike to the summit cross of the "Heukareck". However, specific details about the numerous excursions that took place were not provided.
Competitions and Awards
The camp was kicked off with a barbecue evening. A table tennis tournament took place, with Adrian Richter emerging victorious among the boys and Jette Geyer among the girls. The "Quiz for the Golden Taler" saw Emma Wölke, Elisa Schmidt, and Constantin Jury clinch the top spot, earning extra pocket money as winners.
The "Fun Olympics" required participants to master funny stations that tested their knowledge, creativity, speed, and skill. Lotta Seifert, Elisa Schmidt, Constantin Jury, and Jacob Steinkopff excelled in this event and won the camp gold medals.
A football tournament was held on an artificial turf field, with a team consisting of Jonathan Schön, Michael Reetz, Karl Herrmann, Jakob Krautheim, Jacob Steinkopff, and Constantin Jury emerging as champions. The team "The Labubus" won the main prize, a "Schiebel Fruits Inferno", at the "Dom Rally".
Leadership and Support
The youth group was under the guidance of experienced badminton coaches and trainers from Thuringia, who structured the training programs and coordinated the daily schedule. Additional support came from youth coordinators responsible for the overall logistics, safety, and well-being of the participants. Volunteers and local hosts in St. Johann im Pongau likely assisted in organizing excursions and cultural activities.
The Thuringian Sports Youth, Ilm-Kreis Youth Office, city of Ilmenau, Kyffhäuser County Sports Association, Meiningen Sports Facilities Support Association, and Special Olympics Thuringia provided financial support and minibuses for the camp.
Despite less sunshine, the large lake, small field sports facility, beach volleyball court, indoor and outdoor trampolines, and ping pong tables were frequently crowded, indicating a holiday that was both productive and enjoyable for all.
Participants engaged in intensive badminton training sessions and friendly sports competitions to foster team spirit and athletic performance, making sports a significant part of the holiday. During leisure time, additional recreational activities such as swimming and group games were organized to balance sports with relaxation.
The table tennis tournament and the "Fun Olympics" were among the competitions held during the camp, demonstrating the integration of sports within various activities throughout the holiday.
