New eisstock association grows to 82 members in krems

Residents of Krems and the surrounding area in Austria formed a new association for Eisstockschießen, a traditional sport involving sliding stones on ice.

What began as an informal social gathering grew into a formal club that now includes 82 members, including men, women, and children. The club members transformed a former tennis court into a winter sports area for skaters and stone throwers.

To expand the availability of the sport, members also constructed an asphalt track that allows people to play during the summer months. The group renovated an old clubhouse to provide a comfortable space for members to gather. Mayor Gottfried Kogler noted that the community sought a replacement for an old skating rink that was lost to a commercial zone. Volunteers took over the project, and the club credits volunteer ice master Peter Magnes for his work on the site.

The municipality supported the initiative because they believe community life is vital in rural areas. Marika Lagger-Pöllinger, the municipal referent, provided the club with 20,000 euros in funding to help maintain and develop the association.