Page 73 - Olympism in Socialism

Union of the GDR (DTSB) — was set up in April
1957. Its aims are deeply humanistic. At present
33 sports federations are united in the DTSB.
Associated organizations are the German Anglers’
Union of the GDR and the General German Motor
Sports Union of the GDR. The DTSB today has
more than three million members, i.e., every sixth
citizen is a member of a sports organization. With
more than 9,000 sports clubs, over 4,900 local
and enterprise branches of the GDR’s Anglers’
Union and nearly 500 motor sports clubs, the
DTSB provides the citizens the opportunity to
regularly go in for sports in a special section or a
general sports group for only a small monthly
subscription (children pay an equivalent of Re.1,
adults Rs.6.50). More than 180,000 instructors
and nearly 120,000 referees in their leisure time
actively help organise interesting and attractive
games and events.
The highlights of physical culture and sports
events, have been and still are, the Sports and
Gymnastics Festivals of the GDR, which carry
forward the traditions of the workers’ sports
movement and the progressive heritage of
German sports.
Sports Clubs and Members of the DTSB of the
GDR
Sports Clubs Sections Members
1958 5,654 23,146 1,295,305
1965 7,256 29,680 1,813,261
1970 8,036 32,352 2,155,812
1975 8,036 35,504 2,594,861
1979 9,040 33,192* 3,038,511
*since 1978 changed statistical registration
history.
Such festivals were held in the years 1954,
1956, 1959, 1963, 1969, and 1977 in Leipzig,
with the support of all social bodies and the active

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