Berchtesgaden(cf) The place was a perfect choice. In this way the 51st FIL-Congress from June 13th – 14th, 2003 will be kept in remembrance by those present as a meeting of the international “luging family” which illustrated like hardly any other meeting before what great tradition luge sport has. The Congress began with detailed descriptions of the historical championships and races here in Davos.

Everything began with the first documented luge race in 1883. At that time, it took the winner more than 9 minutes to reach the finishing line. This had considerably changed until 1965 when the World Championships were held in Davos, as the World Champion of that year himself, Hans Plenk, vividly recorded. In addition to Hans Plenk, many other protagonists of the great luge tradition were also present at the meeting in Davos who also told about the probably most important event of luge sport: The foundation of the FIL as an independent federation in 1957.

One of the highlights of the Congress was the appointment of Milo Kriz as an honorary member of the FIL shortly before his 80th birthday. In his words of thanks he bridged the gap between tradition and the present as well as the future when he stated with emotion: “I am glad to see so many old faces and friends here - but I am also glad that so many young people are among the delegates and also on the Executive Board. They are the future. That makes me happy.”

President Josef Fendt and Vice President Harald Steyrer also demonstrated their contentedness in their report of activities regarding the past season. In this context, Josef Fendt informed the Congress that the number of participants in the 30 FIL competitions had again been high in the past season with more than 500 athletes from 31 nations. He particularly emphasized the significance of the rising number of participants in the youth competitions. In this context, Josef Fendt stated his satisfaction and delight, from an international viewpoint, with the results of the men’s competitions in Sigulda. There the places 1 – 6 were reached by six different nations. This is, according to Fendt, a clear indication that the FIL is on the right way with its development program.

The media also honor exciting, varied and eventful competitions. From the viewpoint of the International Luge Federation, frequently changing winning nations in the competitions result in higher TV viewing figures also outside Germany and Austria. The television presence during the past season, especially by ARD, ZDF and Eurosport, was characterized by Josef Fendt as extremely positive.

The treasurer of the FIL, Vice President Harald Steyrer, could only add further details to the positive report of Josef Fendt. The budget for the forthcoming season is complete. The financial affairs of the FIL are in the best possible order.
Minor deviations from the original budget estimate are, according to Steyrer, a result of the general development of interest rates and the unstable exchange rates between Dollar and Euro. Over the medium term, however, the tense financial situation in the sponsoring market must also be taken into consideration. At this point Harald Steyrer particularly thanked the FIL sponsors for their long-standing and reliable commitment.

On the second day of the Congress the near future of luge sport was planned. After a very positive and reassuring report by Ivo Ferriani of the Olympic Committee of the Olympic Games 2006 in Turin, in which Ferriani confirmed that all details concerning the construction of the Olympic race track had been determined and also presented a timetable for test races, the World Championships 2007, artificial track, and the European Championships 2006, natural track, were unanimously awarded by the Congress to Igls and Umhausen.

The gap back to tradition is bridged by a new institution, proposed and initiated by Vice President Claire DelNegro. In the “Hall of Fame” of luge sport outstanding athletes of merit recommended by the national federations will be admitted. The first athletes will be Margit Schumann, Klaus Bonsack and Paul Hildgartner.

Altogether it was harmonious Congress in Davos which had been staged by the organizers with a lot of loving care and professionalism.
Just a family celebration of the luging family.