The Freising climbing center is still closed.
In the FT interview, DAV boss Christian Rester talks about layoffs and the economic situation.
Freising
- "If the lockdown doesn't last too long, then we would get away with two dark blue eyes in relation to the climbing hall." November public and therefore also the club life was shut down for the second time due to the corona pandemic.
Since then, not much has changed for Freising's sport climber: the climbing center in Seilerbrückl is still closed.
In the FT interview, Rester talks about dismissals, prescribed lack of exercise - and young climbers who make the most of the difficult situation.
Mr. Rester, the local sport scene is still idle. How is the Freising climbing center currently doing? How blue are the eyes today?
The good news is that we still have both eyes.
The bad thing is that we've shut everything down now.
We had to lay off around 90 percent of the employees, that was around 20 to 25 part-time workers.
And the other ten percent of our employees in the climbing center, i.e. the operations manager and the chief screwdriver, are on short-time work.
Unfortunately, we had no other choice because we haven't been able to generate any income since the beginning of November.
The repairs in the hall are also all completed - there is simply no work we have for them at the moment.
Does that mean the climbing center would be without a team when the lockdown ends?
You cant say it like that.
We have a contract that people will start with us again after the lockdown.
After all, they are people who have an affinity for the big picture.
The student who climbs himself and has worked for us would certainly like to start with us again.
However, I already know some of them have found something new.
"The current lockdown falls during the most popular time of indoor climbing."
How bad is the climbing center's economic situation?
It is difficult to put losses into precise figures, because we not only had and have the lockdowns as phases of total failure, but have also experienced in between that people spend their free time differently in Corona times.
Noticeably fewer visitors came last summer, and we weren't allowed to let in as many.
The current lockdown falls during the most popular time of indoor climbing - which is also stressful.
We are certainly lacking funds in the high five-figure amount.
That sets us back a lot in terms of future planning.
Thanks to a very defensive financial policy and our volunteers, however, we hope to be able to survive this time without the major wounds.
When do you think sport can get back to normal?
It's hard to say.
But I think that climbing halls and fitness studios will be the last ones allowed to reopen.
I just hope that the first easing will take place soon.
There is one thing that I still have to get rid of: In the current situation and discussion, I find it a real shame that there does not seem to be a serious lobby for popular sport and especially for youth sport.
The prescribed lack of exercise in connection with homeschooling will have glaring consequences.
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Christian Rester: "We are certainly short of funds in the high five-digit amount."
© Birgit Gleixner
The martial arts departments in the clubs are currently relying fully on online training. Does that also work for climbers?
Actually very good.
Our performance groups are regularly at the start when it comes to video training, the trainers even did strength tests with individuals outdoors.
Our middle performance group, for example, the 12 to 14 year olds, meet online twice a week to train together.
But of course everyone is eager to be able to climb in the hall again.
Which events would be this year in the Freising climbing center? And how do you see the chances that they can take place?
We held back when planning major competitions.
However, we hope to be able to hold a good regional youth competition this year.
Furthermore, there will be another “safety day” with workshops and the like.
Regardless of the climbing sport, we have envisaged a somewhat larger running event with start and finish at the climbing hall.
It is completely unclear whether all of this can be implemented.
Rester hopes that the young athletes can cause a sensation
In which important competitions could sport climbers of the DAV Freising be represented this year?
It depends on what will take place.
Certainly the youth team would contest the Sobycup series.
We will be involved in the qualifications for the Bavarian championships and then hopefully also in the title fights.
And maybe we will see Freisinger at Germany Cups this year.
Who are you specifically focusing on?
We have some talented youngsters who can make it to these competitions.
The 13-year-old Anna Holzmann, who is currently in the Bayern team, has very good chances - a start at the Germany Cups is definitely possible.
I hope, of course, that we can cause a sensation with many young athletes.
And that our climbers will be very good on the rock again.
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