Encouraging interim results of a successful cooperation between sport and tourism: Two years ago, former ÖSV star Hans Knauß founded the “Hans Knauß Alpin Pro Team” together with the Schladming-Dachstein Region, the Schladming Tourist Association and the mountain railways of the region to promote young ski racers from his Styrian home region. With Vincent Wieser (ÖSV C squad), Selina Stecher (ÖSV C squad) and Fabian Bachler (ÖSV B squad), three of the seven athletes currently being supported have already made it into the ÖSV squad.

“Promoting youth sports is extremely important, especially in this phase of our social life. This project is intended to provide the best possible support for girls and boys from the provincial ski association squad on their way to the top,” explains Knauß. The young athletes use the financial contributions from the sponsorship for training sessions – especially also in summer, but also for physiotherapy after injuries, for example. Currently, the team comprises two girls and five boys: Nella Knauß and Selina Stecher as well as Vincent Wieser, Fabian Bachler, Luis Tritscher, Martin Höflehner and Christoph Trinker.

Project to be extended after the summer

“The fact that Selina, Vincent and Fabian have already made it into the ÖSV squad naturally makes us extremely happy and gives us a lot of motivation to continue our Pro Team,” says Knauß. The first cooperation period expired after this summer, but those responsible for the project have already spoken out in favour of an extension. “We definitely want to continue supporting this important project, the project goals for the next three years will be worked out over the summer months,” says Mathias Schattleitner, head of tourism in Schladming-Dachstein.

Support for the demanding daily training and racing routine

The “Hans Knauß Alpine Pro Team” supports young athletes who live in the Schladming-Dachstein Region, belong to the Styrian skiing squad and actively participate in FIS Alpine Skiing races. With the help of the project support, the youngsters can more easily master their demanding daily training and racing routine. The aim is to provide them with the best possible support on their way to the top. A four-member committee, headed by Hans Knauß himself, decides on the inclusion of talents in the project.