Public Unveiling of Essen University's Sports Centre for All to Explore
The University of Duisburg-Essen is once again inviting young people aged 13-20 to its "Open Academy," a week-long event during the last week of the summer holidays. This initiative, which was met with overwhelmingly positive feedback last year, is funded by the Anneliese-Brost Foundation, the University of Duisburg-Essen's supporting association, and the Start-up Center.NRW, a program supported by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and the European Union.
Located between the Nordviertel and Altenessen-Süd, near the Bamlerstraße industrial estate, the sports campus has been transformed into an open academy. The area, one of the largest in Duisburg, features an artificial turf pitch, basketball hoops, sand areas, calisthenics facilities (monkey bars), rollerblading areas, and ramps.
Prof. Dr. Ulf Gebken, from the Institute of Sport and Movement Science, explains that the initiative aims to encourage outdoor movement for all, regardless of age or sportiness. The "Open Academy" offers various sports activities such as basketball, football, volleyball, disc golf, trampoline jumping, and Thai boxing.
The climbing tower is particularly active during the "Open Academy." Sports students from the university will supervise the activities on site, and the project is organized by the Institute of Sport and Movement Science in collaboration with Junior Uni Essen.
Anna (17) is using the opportunity at the "Open Academy" to discover new sports and meet new people. Kira (14) and Nina (15) are excited about the wide range of activities offered. So far, 70 children and young people have registered for the "Open Academy" this week, and anyone who enjoys movement, alone or with others, is welcome to participate.
The project, named "Open Sport Campus," will run from 10 am to 6 pm, with free entry and no registration required. The university encourages people to come and try out the various activities offered, hoping that they might find a new hobby or simply let off some steam. The "Open Academy" will be open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays from September 20 to October 19 at Gladbecker Street 210.
Ulf Gebken (63), who pioneered the initiative, sees the "Open Academy" as a potential way to inspire future students. Lilly Eybe (29), the Junior Uni Essen's program coordinator, reports that the feedback from last year's inaugural event was overwhelmingly positive. This year, the university hopes to continue fostering a love for sports and movement in the local community.
