Sports aid - Germany / Federal Republic of Germany 1980 - 90 Pfennig

To support the tasks of the German Sports Aid Foundation Otto-Fleck-Schneise 12 in Frankfurt, the Deutsche Bundespost is issuing a supplementary stamp series. Cross-country skiing - as competition - is the militant commitment of the runner in the snow track (track) against the current clock, against the changing demands between ascent and descent in the field, against the advancing competitors and against his own fatigue. He is - forward - also the expansive pursuit of the precursor, in this competition is every game and hunter at the same time. There are individual competitions over 15 km, 30 km and 50 km for the men, over 5 km, 10 km and 20 km for the women. Run also the short-distance (sprint) and relay competitions, but if in the relay also 4 runners or 3 or 4 runners are counted as a team, in the track everyone is fighting alone. The harder the fight, the more proud the victory. The track is a narrow track, as far as possible double track, through alternating terrain between light trees, through forest paths or open terrain, up, down or even. (A home of cross-country skiing is probably Scandinavia, where the trails are often the closest or only route connection in winter.) For recreational winter sports, cross-country skiing is one of the most powerful discoveries of recent decades. A whole branch of industry blossomed (in addition to the renowned alpine skiing) from the still growing number of enthusiastic friends of amateur cross-country skiing. This sport is sufficient for almost any snowy terrain, it needs no long journeys, no waiting times at the lifts. And, reasonably practiced, it undoubtedly promotes good health and well-being. Internationally successful German masters of recent times were Walter Demel, Michael Endler, the combiner Urban Hettich and the youngest Susi Riermeier. (Text: Stiftung Deutsche Sporthilfe, Frankfurt am Main)