20 years of the Liechtenstein Sports School

"The project was ambitious, but the vision was clear: to combine top performance in sport and education," said Education Minister Dominique Hasler last Monday on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Liechtenstein Sports School. What began 20 years ago as a four-year school experiment at the St. Elisabeth secondary school in Schaan has developed into a successful model over the past two decades. The sports school has been successfully anchored in the Liechtenstein school system. Since 2010, sports classes have been held at every level of secondary school I and II.

School meets competitive sport

A total of 348 pupils have attended the sports school to date, which offers specific framework conditions for a successful school career as well as optimal support for pupils in terms of competitive sport. "The sports school students have excelled in regional and national competitions and conquered the international stage. Who would have thought in 2004 that we would one day be able to proudly announce that our pupils had taken part in the Olympic Games?" said Hasler.

Courageous, committed founders and acting leaders

In his speech to the invited guests from the worlds of sport, politics and school, Head of School Paul Koch took a trip back in time to the founding year of 2004. He referred to the people involved in the sporting and school environment at the time. The achievements of Marius Sialm and Klara Wolf as school representatives, Leo Kranz as LOSV President and many other players were important in laying a good foundation for the sports school. He was delighted that the current leaders from sport, politics and the school were also present at the ceremony and addressed the audience with interesting and celebratory words.

Thanksgiving

In his speech, LOC President Stefan Marxer recognized and thanked the achievements of the current top athletes as well as the important leaders from schools and sports.

The history of the sports school will continue successfully: In 2025, the Liechtenstein Sports School will move to the Mühleholz site. Stakeholders from sport and the school are using this move to look at the direction and organization of the entire sports school. "The sports school's new home will be a place where modern training facilities, innovative teaching methods and an inspiring environment come together," said Head of School Rachel Guerra, who offered guests a glimpse into the future of the sports school.

Varied event

The anniversary event, which was held on a small scale in the auditorium of Schaan secondary school, was framed by show performances from athletics coach Hans Jürgen Steiner and musical accompaniment from the school band under the direction of Attila Németh. Principal Paul Koch led the program. Numerous officials from the associations, the LOC and the Office of Education were present as guests.

The Liechtenstein Sports School was founded in 2004 as a project of the Principality of Liechtenstein. It has been enshrined in law since 2011 and is under the supervision of the Office of Education. The Liechtenstein Sports School aims to prepare young people for a career in competitive or elite sport.