13th "Volkssport Olympiad“ in Val Gardena
2013 was no ordinary year for Val Gardena. In early summer an „Olympic Games“ took place in South Tyrol, right here in Val Gardena, in the middle of the Dolomites, the location in fact having been chosen as the venue for the 13th "Volkssport Olympiad". Three years earlier, the choice of location had been voted on in Luxembourg in a meeting of 103 delegates from the IVV member associations (International People's Sports Association) from 26 nations. The IVV Volkssport Olympiad 2013 had been awarded to Val Gardena by secret ballot from among numerous candidates!
The event itself, which was initiated by the International Volkssportverband (IVV), can probably be described as one of the biggest amateur sports events in the world. Here the most common of everyday sporting activities and general good fun are very much the centre of focus. From 25-29.06.2013, participants from all over the world had several disciplines to choose from. Among these were of course the classical activities of hiking, cycling and swimming.