Wiener Eislauf-Verein (Vienna Ice Skating Club)
- – Play and Class –
Autor*in
Ort, Datum
Wiener Eislaufverein, Wien, Austria, 28. Februar 2024
Schlagwörter
Play, Class, Association, Ludic Space
Full Text
Wiener Eislauf-Verein (Vienna Ice Skating Club) – Play and Class – Masao Ono 1. Wiener Eislauf-Verein as a Ludic space Ice skating corresponds to Johan Huizinga’s definition of the play as an unproductive pastime activity. In this discussion of the Vienna Ice Skating Club, I will understand the location at Vienna’s Heumarkt as a “ludic space”, a space where people are willingly involved in unproductive, pure play, and where individuals glide on ice, embracing the risk of injury. Ice skating goes beyond mere sport or efficient exercise, emphasizing a playful spirit and enjoyment. Ice skating often takes place in settings removed from regular daily life. This departure from the ordinary contributes to a sense of playfulness, allowing participants to break free from the routine. Ice skating could be labeled as Ludic space from its emphasis on pure play and enjoyment, going beyond conventional sports or efficient exercises. People seek adventure, challenge, and a heightened sensory experience in an extraordinary, aesthetic setting, finding joy in the playful spirit of ice skating. 2. A brief history of Skating In Europe, canals and rivers freeze over in the winter. It is said that ”skating” began when people skated on frozen canals and rivers wearing footwear with gliding sections made from animal bones and fur. Skating was especially popular in the Netherlands. The origin of the English word “skate” is the Dutch word “schate”, and the Dutch were the first to develop wooden skates. Initially, it became popular as a means of transportation and was recognized by people. After that, iron blades are said to have been developed in the Netherlands around 1250, and from this time on, it began to be enjoyed as a leisure sport in Europa. 3. History of Wiener Eislauf-Verein In 1867, the Wiener Eislaufverein (WEV) was established in the central district of Vienna-Mitte, introducing the "Natureislaufplatz," an open-air natural ice rink. The year 1901 marked a pivotal relocation to Wiener Heumarkt, where a new ice rink was inaugurated. By 1912, the WEV had expanded its facilities to include a 4,000 m² artificial ice rink, enhancing its capacity for hosting larger events and competitions. The outbreak of World War I posed significant challenges for the WEV, as the war strained resources and disrupted daily life. The club's activities were curtailed, and it faced financial and operational difficulties during this tumultuous period. In 1938, the political landscape dramatically shifted with the annexation of Austria into Nazi Germany. This event led to a comprehensive reorganization of Austrian sports, directly impacting organizations like the WEV. The club was integrated into the National Socialist League for Physical Exercise, and leadership changes were implemented, aligning the WEV with the regime's ideologies. SA-Brigade Leader Heribert Seidler was appointed as club leader, and Adolf Eder, the former general secretary, became the provisional administrator. The Nazi regime's anti-Semitic policies had a profound effect on the WEV, leading to the expulsion of Jewish officials, members, and athletes. This resulted in a drastic reduction in membership, from 5,515 in 1937 to 2,764 in 1938, and imposed significant financial hardships on the club. Despite these adversities, the WEV managed to achieve success in competitive ice sports. The establishment of the Vienna Ice Sports Community (WEG) in 1939, through the merger of the sports sections of the WEV and the Engelmann Ice Sports Club, laid the groundwork for the club's athletic achievements. The WEG's victory in the German Ice Hockey Championship in 1940 and the production of numerous national champions in figure and speed skating solidified the WEV's reputation as a dominant force in ice sports within the Third Reich. The post-war era was characterized by diligent reconstruction efforts. The WEV's facilities, damaged by the war, were quickly rehabilitated, and the artificial ice rink was restored to provisional operation. In 1948, the club resumed participation in international competitions, signaling a return to normalcy and a commitment to excellence in ice sports. The late 1950s saw the WEV diversify its offerings by venturing into non-ice sports, broadening its appeal and activities. This expansion reflected the club's adaptability and willingness to embrace new opportunities. In the subsequent decades, the WEV continued to thrive in sports. In 2007, the club's premises were repurposed during the summer months, hosting "Sand in the City," a testament to the club's versatility. Today, the Wiener Eislaufverein operates a 6,000 m² artificial ice rink and boasts a membership of 305. The club celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2017, a milestone that underscores its longstanding legacy. Beyond its sports focus, the WEV plays a vital role in the community, contributing to Viennese school sports and participating in various cultural events. Through its rich history, the WEV has evolved into a multifaceted institution, leaving a lasting impact on both the sports and cultural landscapes of Vienna.. Fig.1 In 1887, in Vienna-Mitte Fig.2 In 2023, Lothringerstraße 22, 1030 Wien Fig.3 In 1887 and Today 4. Courses and organization in Wien Eislauf-Verein 4-1. Courses offered by Wien Eislauf-Verein Wien Eislauf-Verein provides more than just skating; their courses extend to various ice-related activities. There are ice hockey, speed skating, figure skating, or curling. Wien Eislauf-Verein offers diverse options for different interests. In the summer, it becomes a roller skating rink where people can dance to the music. These classes cater to all age groups, providing opportunities for both children and adults to learn winter sports. Additionally, Wien Eislauf-Verein extends its educational offerings to trainers. Fig.3 people dancing on roller skating rink 4-2. Organization Wien Eislauf-Verein is structured into three categories: Gremien (committees), Funktionäre (functionaries), and Mitarbeiter:innen (employees). The association is supported by numerous sponsors in Vienna. The association currently holds a lease for the Lothringerstraße 22 location, and the contract has already been secured for the upcoming decades. Wien Eislauf-Verein offers the opportunity to become a member (Mitglied des Wiener Eislauf-Vereins); however, recruitment is currently not available as of February 2024. 5. Heumarkt continues to change Heumarkt does not stick to history; rather, it continues to change. WertInvest’s revamped “Heumarkt Neu” project, assessed for environmental impact, showed no significant effects on Vienna's UNESCO World Heritage Site. The project features a hotel wing for InterContinental and an innovative "grey living" concept for older residents, prioritizing environmental sustainability. Construction begins in 2026, following collaboration between federal ministries and Vienna, ensuring World Heritage compatibility and eliminating the need for further environmental assessments. CEO Daniela Enzi envisions transforming Heumarkt into a modern hub, drawing inspiration from the successful MuseumsQuartier project. The eagerly anticipated project receives support from neighboring institutions. In this regard, Wiener Eislauf-Verein says: „Die bauliche und technische Neugestaltung der Anlagen des WEV ist dringend notwendig. Dies sowohl im Hinblick auf die Sicherstellung des Eislaufbetriebes, als auch der Sommernutzung. Der WEV wird weiterhin seine aktive Rolle in der Neugestaltung des Projektes „Heumarkt- Neu“ wahrnehmen und plädiert für einen zeitnahen Beginn und die zügige Umsetzung dieses für Wien wichtigen Projekts.“ Fig.4 Current Wiener Eislauf-Verein Fig.5 Conceptual drawing of the "Heumarkt Neu" project 6. Conclusion: “Diversity and Sustainable Growth of Wien Eislauf-Verein” Wiener Eislauf-Verein (WEV) has profoundly influenced Vienna's sports and culture through a rich history centered around ice skating and diverse activities. This paper highlighted the reasons why ice skating can be considered a Ludic space, delved into the historical background of skating, and explored the organizational structure and classes offered by WEV. Since its establishment in 1867, WEV has navigated through occasional wars and environmental changes, achieving sustained success. WEV goes beyond ice skating, offering classes in ice hockey, speed skating, figure skating, and curling, catering to a wide age range. Structured into committees, functionaries, and employees, the organization thrives with support from Vienna's sponsors. The "Heumarkt Neu" project, revitalizing WEV facilities, demonstrated minimal impact on Vienna's UNESCO World Heritage Site. Featuring a hotel wing and innovative "grey living," the project is set to commence in 2026. CEO Daniela Enzi envisions transforming Heumarkt into a modern hub, drawing inspiration from the MuseumsQuartier project's success. Wiener Eislaufverein actively supports this vital project, aiming to play a significant role in Vienna's development. The way a long and great association like WEV embraces and promotes change, rather than rejecting it, can serve as a model for all cultures around the world. This is a unique example of how culture survives through change. And the essence of Wiener Eislauf-Verein as a Ludic space will continue to remain.
Description
References Wiener Eislauf-Verein: https://www.wev1867.at Heumarkt neu: https://www.heumarkt-neu.at Sasakawa Sports Foundation: https://www.ssf.or.jp/knowledge/dictionary/figureskating.html Wien Kulturgut: Historische Stadtpläne: https://www.wien.gv.at/kultur/kulturgut/plaene/ Google map - Wiener Eislauf-Verein: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sGeehqDhneMDrKDMA MeinBezirk - Beim Wiener Eislaufverein kann man jetzt Rollschuh fahren: https://www.meinbezirk.at/landstrasse/c-sport/beim-wiener-eislaufverein-kann-man-jetzt-rollschuh-fahren_a5302522
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- Wiener Eislauf-Verein (Vienna Ice Skating Club). – Play and Class –. . 2024-02-28 -
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