Last Sunday, members of the German national skibob team visited Bischofsmais. Under the direction of Silvia Steininger, a summer sports day was held in the gym at the Bischofsmais elementary school. Four coaches from the Bavarian Skibob Association traveled there for the event. They were joined by national team member Max Buchner and skibob athlete Simon Steininger, who is currently taking a break from racing to focus on his career.
In the morning, the sports-loving girls and boys, ages 6 to 11, arrived at the gym. Right from the start, they received a freshly signed autograph card from skibob world champion Silvia Steininger and marveled at a displayed race number, the racing suit, and a German championship trophy from the previous winter season. Those interested were able to try sitting on daughter Allison’s skibob and get a feel for what it’s like to ride this special piece of sports equipment. “It’s actually like a bike, just for winter,” the children concluded together.
During an icebreaker session featuring various games and introduction cards, the children learned everyone’s names. They warmed up together with national athletes and coaches. This was followed by a round of Brennball and an obstacle course. There, the children had the chance to try out various pieces of equipment and elements from artistic gymnastics with coach Michaela Ferling. The children demonstrated courage, curiosity, and body control. An 11-year-old participant described his experience high up on the uneven bars: “I really didn’t think I’d have the courage to do that.”
Over a shared snack in a friendly atmosphere and an ice cream to cool off, everyone gathered their strength for the afternoon session. It began with everyone sitting in a circle. Several balls were passed simultaneously to neighbors in both directions—behind and in front of the body. This session, which focused on concentration, was led by World Cup racer Max Buchner. This was followed by a theory-based segment. As a national team coach and course setter for international racing events, Clemens Müller set up a slalom course in the gym using cones. The children from SC Bischofsmais, who had experience with ski training, tackled the course in single file alongside the other children and drew on sheets of paper the line they had to follow around the blue and red gates.
Monika Steininger, the coach and head of the Bischofsmais skibob program, delighted the children with lots of balloons that weren’t allowed to touch the ground during a biting game. It wasn’t easy to keep the balloons in the air while sitting down. Afterward, the children could choose between soccer tennis and coloring. Coloring pages featuring Bavaria’s most successful skibob athletes were provided; the children colored them with enthusiasm and took them home. The sports day was rounded out with various popular closing games. During a feedback session, the children shared positive comments about one another.
All participants agreed: The summer sports day was fantastic and definitely needs to be repeated! The organizers would like to fulfill this wish and are planning a follow-up event in the fall. They hope to see not only the familiar faces but also many new participants. This is because a new junior skibob team is set to be formed this winter under the guidance of state coach Silvia Steininger. Thanks to the sports days in the gym, the children can get to know each other before winter and, if they’d like, take their first runs on the skibob with familiar faces at Geißkopf once snow conditions are suitable.
Special thanks go to Mayor Stefan Kern and the municipality of Bischofsmais for allowing the Bavarian Skibob Association to use the gym for the sports day. Play equipment, balls, and a jukebox were provided by the Bischofsmais Ski Club under the leadership of its first chairman, Wolfgang Niedermeier.
