Sport and Activities in Luxembourg

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Possibly because of the country's small size, national sports are not the focus for most people of Luxembourg. That does not mean people are uninterested in athletics. Most people participate in a sport themselves. Over 100,000 people in Luxembourg are licensed members of at least one sports federation.

The Grand Duchy has been represented at a total of 21 Olympic Games. The country has two Olympic medallist- Josy Barthel who won the men's 1500 meters at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki and Joseph Alzin who won the silver in weight lifting at the 1920 Games in Antwerp. There is one other medal attributed to France that should have been attributed to Luxembourg. This was from Michel Theato who won the gold medal in the marathon at the 1900 Games in Paris.

Sports

Football, as in so much of the world, is the most popular spectator sport. The National Division is the premier league in the country. The league was one of the first in Europe, established in 1913. Jeunesse Esch and F91 Dudelange are two of the most successful clubs.
The national team is nicknamed d'Leiwen ("The Lions") and is overseen by the Federation Luxembourgeoise de Football. The team is quite weak when compared internationally. The most famous Luxembourgian footballers are Jeff Strasser, Louis Pilot, and Guy Hellers.

Cycling is a popular sport for amateurs and pros alike as the country is fairly flat.
Famous Luxembourgian cyclists include Nicolas Frantz, Charly Gaul, and Francois Faber. Luxembourgian cyclists have won the Tour de France four times, ranking Luxembourg seventh overall. Currently, there are three Luxembourgish cyclists on the UCI ProTour: Kim Kirchen, Frank Schleck, and Andy Schleck.

Tennis is also popular. There are 53 tennis clubs in the country, the oldest of which, TC Diekirch, was founded in 1902.
Gilles Muller is considered the best men's player the country. Women's players that have reached the top fifty include Anne Kremer (18th) and Claudine Schaul (41st).

Cricket is not as popular in Luxembourg, but games are organized. It is supported primarily by the British expatriate community. The game's governing body is the Luxembourg Cricket Federation.
Optimists Cricket Club is the best team and plays in the Belgian league.

Golf is played by some people in Luxembourg. There are 6 golf courses, most of them within 30 minutes drive of the Capital.

Ice skating is enjoyed in the winter. The "Red Rock skate park" is the country's largest skating rink.

Gym

Athletic clubs are a great way to stay in shape. A list of sanctioned clubs can be found here:
http://www.fla.lu/clubs/clubs.htm#CompClubs

Sporting Events

Eurocross - This annual international cross-country running competition takes place in Diekirch, Luxembourg in February. It is one of the IAAF permit meetings which serve as qualifying events for the IAAF World Cross Country Championships.

Tour de Luxembourg - A prelude to the Tour de France, this race happens annually.

BGL Luxembourg Open - A tennis tournament held in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg that has been held since 1991.

Stadium

The National Sports Stadium (also known as Stade Josy Barthel), lies in western Luxembourg City. It is named after the country's only official Olympic gold medallist. The stadium has a capacity of 8,054 and serves as the primary football field.
The Park & Ride opposite the venue is often full for events. Free buses help transport people from the center.

D'Coque is an indoor arena in Kirchberg. The stadium has a capacity of 8,300. The arena is used for basketball, handball, gymnastics, and volleyball, including the final of the 2007 Women's European Volleyball Championship.

Update 1/03/2011


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Comments

 expatviv

15/04/2011

Entertainment for Children
Hundreds of ideas for little and big excursions, cultural activities, nature discovery trips, sport clubs and much more are to be found in the FamilyGuide Luxembourg. The comprehensive directory lists also commented address regarding childcare possibilities, schools, family-friendly restaurants, shopping for children etc. More information see www.familyguide.lu

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