SPORTS IN GREENLAND

History.

The Sports Confederation of Greenland was founded in 1953. In the beginning the Confederation and the federations were affiliated to the Danish Sport Confederation. As a consequence of the increasing autonomy and establishing of the Home Rule Government in 1979 it was obvious that Greenlandic sports should seek towards an independent national organisation of sport.

In full understanding with the Danish Sports Confederation, the Sports Confederation of Greenland and the Greenlandic federations had their full autonomy  from January 1996.

Since then the Confederation and the federations have worked to develop the organisation on national as well as international level.

International co-operation.

Badminton, Handball, Table Tennis, Volleyball and Taekwon-do have become members of their respective international federation.

The Ski Federation of Greenland are working towards achieving membership of FIS within 2-3 years.

The Football Federation was negotiating with FIFA in order to find an appropriate position that allows them to participate in international  competitions. FIFA told us that they would try to find a solution :  a ?lex Groenlandica? allowing an associated membership without the obligation to take part in qualification-tournament for the World Cup ! Until now they have not found any solution that allows Greenland to affiliate with the international world of soccer.

The Sports Confederation of Greenland wants to strengthen Greenlandic athletes and sports organisations possibilities to participate in sports as representatives of Greenland.

Greenland is attending the Nordic Sport Forum and member of ENGSO (European Non-Governmental Sports Organisations).

Greenland is working to become affiliated to the International Olympic Committee.

Infrastructure and sports.

The conditions in Greenland differs from most countries. It is not possible to run normal tournaments. Travelling expenses are very high as you only can go by plane or boat between the cities. In Winter time transportation is often impossible because of weather conditions.

Relations NGO  /  State.

The Sports Confederation of Greenland is financed through the Lottery Pool and grants from the Home Rule Government. The co-operation between the Home Rule Government and the Confederation is very good and to mutual benefit.

High performance sports.

Greenlandic skiers are participating in international arrangement but still under the Danish flag. In the Olympic Winter Games in Nagano three participants came from Greenland. Greenlandic Handball have qualified for the WC for men as well as women.

Sports for All.

Sport for All is given the highest priority. Because of the infrastructure the quality of life and possibilities offered in local village is very important. Most municipalities gives strong support to local sportsactivities and facilities.

Greenlandic Sport Federations.

Sports in Greenland are organised in 8 federations :

Badminton                             clubs 16            members 1300

Football                                  clubs 77           members 5000

Handball                                 clubs 21           members 1900

Volleyball                               clubs 14            members 400

Table Tennis                            clubs 12           members 500

Skiing                                    clubs 22            members 1300

Taekwon-do                            clubs 13            members 600

Qajaq                                    clubs 11            members 950

others                                    clubs 18            members 600

Total                                     clubs 204           members app. 12550

Children  0-13    30 %

Youth    14-17    20 %

Adults    18-       50 %

App.  37 %  of the members are female.