Politicians and ÖEHV discuss the current state of Austrian ice hockey

There is movement in Austrian sport. In one-to-one talks with several specialist federations, politicians are seeking to gain an understanding of the challenges, needs and concerns of the individual sports. ÖEHV Managing Director Alexander Helwig met Christoph Zarits, Member of the National Council, and his assistant Thomas Steiner, as well as Roman Kunyik, sports adviser to the ÖVP parliamentary group.

06 March 20261 min read

“I am grateful for this opportunity and the invitation. It is important that the specialist federations can set out their concerns in detail and explain what is needed both to get people involved in sport and to be successful,” explains Alexander Helwig.

Among the topics discussed were infrastructure and how federal policymakers can provide support in this area, funding in general, academy operations, the women's federal performance centre in Villach, and much more.

The Olympic Games and the targeted funding that may be needed to qualify and then be successful there were also addressed.

There was also interest in the development of the domestic leagues, the advantages and disadvantages of international leagues, and the situation regarding foreign players.

“These were extremely constructive discussions, and I hope that this kind of exchange can take place more frequently and involve all political parties. Austrian sport needs a voice. It must be recognised and taken seriously. Our clubs create value and make an immeasurable contribution to public health,” said Alexander Helwig.

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