Oberhof (pps) For quite some years now, athletes competing in events on artificial ice tracks are among the most successful athletes in Germany. In luge, bobsleigh and skeleton the athletes of the German Bobsleigh and Sled Sports Federation, BSD, have always achieved a podium result at World Cup events, World or European championships and Olympic Games. This success is based upon a number of special programs for young talents within the German Federation. Thomas Schwab, former national luge coach and currently acting as BSD Secretary General, intends to further improve these programs. At the opening BSD press conference in Oberhof, the former 1988 European doubles’ champion announced a new concept for special youth programs.

“We hope to further capitalise on the synergetic effects of all these disciplines in the future,” Schwab explained. “We want to recruit even more young talents, we want to have training sessions on all the different sleds so that the young athletes find their way early on – either on a bobsleigh, on a luge or on a skeleton sled.” In order to acknowledge and honour the commitment of the voluntary coaches, who are responsible for the young athletes, better than before, the so-called “Viessmann Junior Coach Prize” will be offered for the first time this season. “So far, the coaches aren’t assisted enough in their commitment. The company Viessmann gives us ample support in this direction and they also offer substantial financial aid with regard to this junior coach prize.”