The north German port-city near the mouth of the Elbe is to construct 129 new indoor courts in 95 school gymnasiums between now and 2019.

At the same time 59 existing courts will be taken out of commission, for a net gain of 70.

A further 100 existing indoor courts are to be renovated.

“Sport is important for the physical development of our children,” said Ties Rabe, Hamburg’s senator of education.

“That is why we are investing heavily in construction and renovation of school gymnasiums as part of our general school construction programme.”

He continued: “Hamburg’s sports clubs will greatly benefit from these investments as well.

“Since our gymnasiums can be used by them after 5pm and free of charge, Hamburg’s sports clubs are able to offer a wide range of all types of sports - a huge plus for mass sports in our city.

“With this sports infrastructure programme, we will considerably improve the situation both for Hamburg’s schools and its sports clubs in a sustainable way over the next few years.

“And what is more, in view of the Olympic Games, we can justifiably be proud of our investments in sports here in Hamburg.”

Hamburg is currently up against Boston, Budapest, Paris and Rome in the contest for the 2024 Games that is set to unfold over the next two years.



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