Seriousness and stubbornness are two different things

Dear Reader

Almost every day, I realize that we model aviators can make a positive impression with our youth programs. Not just with government officials, but also with parents. A model aviation club that doesn’t engage with young people—or that does but never reports on it—is overlooked by society and policymakers today. If, for example, we were to lose our field and had to go to the city’s sports director or the mayor empty-handed—that is, without being able to document our youth programs—we would miss out on many opportunities.

Organizations that make it their goal to promote junior athletes need particularly great perseverance. Of the juniors initially trained, only very few will persevere to an international level. Many change their interests, have limited time during their education, or pursue a second sport. However, this must under no circumstances be a reason to abandon such support programs—quite the contrary. Depending on the timing, these young people have gained a great deal of model-aircraft flying expertise along the way. This, too, is important—indeed, indispensable—for the continued existence of our clubs.

Unfortunately, in Switzerland we have very few clubs that consistently promote competitive flying for junior pilots. Youth representatives—who are usually also members of the board—are important and indispensable. However, mentoring young competition pilots is a completely different, additional task and, to be honest, can only be carried out by coaches with experience in the competitive arena.

Conclusion: Introducing young people to competitive sports only works if there is either strong family support or if their organization offers coaching in the form of structured training and additional support. Our clubs and regions are called upon to act.

Best regards
, Emil Ch. Giezendanner

The opinions expressed on this page by the editor—as well as by other authors of this issue—do not necessarily reflect the official position of the SMV. Readers can find official association announcements in the “SMV” section.