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What is Volkssport?
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What is Volkssport?
From the Website of the American Volkssport Association See What Is Volksmarching / Volkssporting? from the Website of the AVA, providing answers to all your questions about this great, non-competitive sport! Includes definitions of volkssporting terms. How did Volkssporting Come to the US? Our service personnel stationed in Europe first participated in Volksmarches and brought the idea home to the United States. The first walk in this country took place in Fredericksburg, Texas in 1976. There are now 475 active clubs and over 1,250 YREs (Year 'Round Events), with more continually being added. The purpose of volksmarching is to encourage people of all ages and abilities to participate in the healthy hobby of walking and hiking on a non-competitive basis, thus making this an excellent recreational activity for the entire family. Volksmarches give people an opportunity to see new countryside and landmarks, meet other people, as well as collect incentive awards. Walks are not contests! Everyone goes at their own pace. Age and ability have no part in our programs and events. Both competitive and non-competitive walkers are welcome. Emphasis is on walking for health, physical fitness, and pleasure! Anyone who completes the course is eligible to receive an award for the event (medal, patch, or other) with the payment of the appropriate fee. One does not have to be a member of any club to participate in any IVV or AVA event. Everyone is invited and welcome! Record-Keeping and Other Information The different levels of achievement for events are 10, 30, 50 and thereafter, every 25 events. Achievement milestones for distance are every 500 kilometers. The first Event Record Book is completed when it contains 10 different IVV ink stamps; the first Distance Record Book is completed when it contains at least 500 kilometers. A completed book is mailed to the AVA national office, which then will send you the appropriate awards: a pin, a patch, and a certificate. IVV record books are on sale at all events. Distance credit is given each time the trail is walked, but only one event credit per year for all events (YRE's included). Volksmarching can be free, but a "Start Card," obtained at registration must be carried by each person who walks, including children. There is a $2.00 charge to obtain credit stamps in books. The cost may vary for event awards. Brochures announcing events give all necessary information. Sanctioned volksmarches are usually 10 km (6.2 miles), with many 5 km (3.1 miles) routes being added, and routes are rated 1 to 5 (1 easiest); suitability for wheelchairs and strollers and pets is usually indicated. Routes are circuitous having one location for START/FINISH. Checkpoints along the route provide drinking water and an opportunity for rest. |
