...
leisure-time activities ...
Folkssports are recreation
for busy people. You're not a super athlete, and you have no
desire to train to win a race, but you know you need to spend
some of your free time in healthy activity. Volkssports (say
"folks' sports") are Sports for the People ("volks" in German)
— including walking/hiking, swimming, biking and cross-country
skiing. Stuff you like to do anyway. And they're geared to the
novice and average person — the recreational participant. You
can participate as often or as seldom as your schedule allows.
There are no pledge cards or quotas, just FUN-raising. The
purpose is not to benefit a charity, it's to benefit you.
...
for people of all ages, alone or in groups ...
Folkssports are geared for
the novice and average person — the recreational participant.
Bring the whole family and a few friends. If you'd like some
new friends you're sure the meet them here. Or come by
yourself and participate in solitude. The choice is always
yours. Because there are no performance requirements, adults
and children may participate together. Many walk events are
open to those in strollers and wheelchairs. But check the
details on the specific events you’re interested in.
Oh, and dogs are welcome
on many trails as long as they're kept on leash.
...
with no competitive requirements, but plenty of rewards ...
The journey is not the
only reward! Let's face it, we all need a little encouragement
to keep doing those things that are good for us. Folkssports
have become popular in more than 20 countries for over 35
years partly because they provide a system for encouraging
regular participation.
Event awards provide
instant gratification. These memorabilia become special
reminders of the good times and places you've enjoyed. IVV
Achievement Award credits can be earned for Distance walked
(biked, skied) AND for the number of events in which you
participate. These credits are recognized worldwide as symbols
of achievement.
...
in a unique location near you, or somewhere you want to visit
...
Folkssports are everywhere
you want to be. Some events will be close to your home — you
may want to enjoy them multiple times. Others will be farther
away — you might need to schedule some vacation time to really
enjoy them. Folkssports encourage you to travel to unique
areas and discover rewarding new experiences. Or if you are
already traveling for business or pleasure, adding a
folkssport may be a great way to relax, exercise or experience
the area.
There's joy in the
journey. We encourage you to take your time on the trail —
don’t rush to finish! Enjoy the scenery, geology, flora and
fauna, history and local hospitality. Allow at least 2-3 hours
to complete a 10km (6.2 miles) hike. Of course, you're welcome
to walk, jog or run and complete the course at a pace that's
most comfortable for you.
