In the future, ten young talents from the sports of judo, wrestling, taekwondo, swimming and shooting
Vienna (OTS) – The Federal Ministry of Finance’s customs sports squad is being expanded to include summer sports for the first time. Five new disciplines await ten young talents in the future: judo, wrestling, taekwondo, swimming and shooting. This innovation reflects the continuous development and modernization of the customs sports squad, which has been supporting young talents in top sports for over 70 years, while at the same time they receive comprehensive professional training in customs administration.
“The new sports are an excellent addition to our sports squad. They not only contribute to the sporting development of our talents, but also strengthen the skills that are essential in everyday customs life. Our goal is to welcome the new athletes as early as possible before the Summer Olympics in Paris and to send them into the race for Austria in August. I look forward to welcoming the athletes to the BMF,” said Finance Minister Magnus Brunner.
Five disciplines related to customs
The sports are all Olympic disciplines. The expansion of the squad is carried out in close coordination with the Austrian Olympic Committee (ÖOC). In addition, all sports are related to the job description of a customs officer. Judo, wrestling and taekwondo reflect the importance of operational training and thus the necessary handling of difficult operational situations in the customs profession. Sport shooting correlates directly with the demands on customs officers who carry a service weapon in the travel traffic mobile control team and in customs investigations. Swimming was once an integral part of customs guard training and rounds off the physical fitness requirements for customs service skills.
72 years of customs guard cadre
The history of the customs sports squad is characterized by innovation and commitment. Founded in 1952 as a customs guard cadre, the program has continued to evolve. Particularly noteworthy is the introduction of the parasport squad in 2008, a project that was unique in the world at the time to support athletes with disabilities.
The customs sports squad not only offers the currently 27 active athletes professional sports support, but also social security and parallel vocational training. This model is highly valued by athletes and enables a seamless career after their sporting career.
Questions & Contact:
Federal Ministry of Finance, Press Office
(+43 1) 514 33 501 031
bmf-presse@bmf.gv.at
http://www.bmf.gv.at
Johannesgasse 5, 1010 Vienna