Sports
Sports are the driving force of the Turner movement. From its 1811 inception with the first Turnplatz in Berlin Germany to the present, sports have been an integral part in the life of all Turners. The Turners take pride that the now familiar gymnastic apparatus seen in gyms throughout the world originated with the Turners under our founder, Friedrich L. Jahn.
The Turner love of sports is not limited to gymnastics alone. The breadth of interest in sports can be demonstrated when the American Turners hold their quadrennial Sports Festival. Among the various competitions are Gymnastics, Track & Field, Swimming & Diving and Volleyball. Most of the events are divided into age groups and closely follow the age standards set by governing American sports associations. Entrants compete for personal prizes as well as points for their society. Societies compete for points which determine their standing among other societies of similar membership.
The American Turners also hold annual competition in Gymnastics, Volleyball, Bowling Softball and Golf. Click on the link buttons above for more material concerning that sport.
There is also sports competition within districts and even within
societies.
