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Wolgast mourns: Wiking-Winner” support center closes its doors!
Winfried Spiering is closing his boxing center in Wolgast at the end of October due to a decline in membership and a lack of trainers.
Wolgast mourns: Wiking-Winner” support center closes its doors!
A chapter in boxing is closing in Wolgast: Winfried “Winne” Spiering announces that his “Wiking Winner Support Center” will close its doors at the end of October. This is the result of several problems that have grown over the years. Loud Baltic Sea newspaper Both the number of members and the choice of trainers are fighting a constant decline. In addition, the heating system has to be replaced, which costs 30,000 euros - a sum that far exceeds the existing budget. Training and competition operations will be suspended until further notice.
Spiering has run the facility in Wolgast with great commitment for ten years in order to offer young people a perspective in boxing. The beautiful boxing hall was converted from a former department store on our own initiative - without any financial support. Despite the effort, there is a lack of suitable trainers and the number of young people who train regularly is becoming increasingly smaller. This is in connection with the founding of a new boxing club on Usedom, some of whose members and trainers have switched to this one.
The impact on the region
The closure of the center will have a noticeable impact on the region's young boxers. They now have to travel to Greifswald or Bansin to continue practicing their sport, although the boxing club in Bansin has only existed for a few months. The lack of training opportunities is particularly unfortunate as boxing is still very popular in Germany. In 2024, the German Boxing Association had around 81,000 members, which represents an increase compared to the previous year boxen100.de reported.
The prejudices against boxing are not entirely unjustified. However, a 10-year long-term study shows that amateur boxing has a lower risk of injury than many other sports, including soccer and handball. The many positive aspects of boxing, such as promoting self-confidence and assertiveness, are in stark contrast to the challenges that the “Wiking Winner Support Center” had to overcome.
A look back at a local legend
Winfried Spiering is not only known in boxing. He left a lasting memory by renaming the Zinnowitz sports hall after the successful coach Fritz Sdunek. Spiering also organizes an annual boxing memorial event in honor of Sdunek, demonstrating his deep connection to the region's sporting heritage. But uncertainty remains about the future use of the building he owns. However, the hope that the boxing culture in Wolgast will not die out completely is dwindling.
In Germany people are very interested in boxing. According to around 5.62 million citizens Statista 2024 showed particular interest in boxing, 69.51 million people know the sport. Nevertheless, the challenges on site show that constant support is needed so that boxing remains trendy and new talent can be promoted.