Paul Romen is the new VSS chairman.

VSS: Romen follows Andergassen

With more than 86.000 members, the Association of Sports Clubs of South Tyrol (VSS) is the largest interest group in the country. The association's 53rd general meeting on May 19th was all about farewell and new beginnings. After 24 years as VSS chairman, Günther Andergassen no longer stood for election. The previous deputy Paul Romen was elected as the new chairman.

20 May 2023

From: sn

Since 1999, Günther Andergassen has led the Association of Sports Clubs of South Tyrol (VSS) as chairman. During this time, the Kalterer man shaped South Tyrol's sports world like no other. After 24 years at the top, Andergassen no longer stood for election to the board. “I would like to thank the many thousands of officials, employees and trainers in our member clubs, as well as all companions and companions,” explained Günther Andergassen during his speech. He is succeeded by Paul Romen from Jenesien.

The previous deputy chairman was elected as the new chairman by acclamation at the 53rd general meeting of the VSS, as was his new deputy Thomas Tiefenbrunner. “It is at the same time a great honor and a great responsibility to head the VSS as chairman,” said Romen, who emphasized that the association would also like to draw on the great expertise of Günther Andergassen in the future.

The issues with which the new board, which includes chairman Romen and deputy Andergassen as well as district representatives Ivan Bott (Überetsch/Unterland), Thomas Ladurner (Burggrafenamt), Josef Platter (Vinschgau), Christian Untermarzoner (Eisacktal), Armin Niedermair (Pustertal ), Martin Unterholzer (Bozen), Lidia Bernardi (Gröden) and Richard Nagler (Gadertal), remain those who were outlined by Günther Andergassen in his last report as VSS chairman. “We have to make sport future-proof and sustainable, especially in times of reform,” explained Andergassen in his speech. The main focus of the VSS will therefore continue to be to advise and support sports clubs in their daily work and to create the best possible framework conditions for sport.

Words of praise

Words of praise for the work of the VSS and Günther Andergassen's many years of activity were not only expressed by the President of the CONI State Committee Alex Tabarelli, Paolo Trotter (USSA), Christoph Emmerling (ASVÖ Tirol), Jochen Schenk (Südtiroler Sporthilfe) and Herbert Von Leon ( Raiffeisen Association) and Flora Kröss (Alperia). In particular, State Governor Arno Kompatscher used his greetings to give a laudatory speech for Günther Andergassen: “Dear Günther, your life is marked by countless milestones, achievements and outstanding achievements.”

With a standing ovation and visibly moved, Andergassen then accepted the well-deserved VSS honorary membership. In addition, the Kalterer resident remains with the association as a member of the arbitration tribunal.

Günther Andergassen said goodbye.

The long-time swimming speaker Klaus Fissneider and the former shooting sports speaker Evelyn Call were also honored and farewelled at the association's 53rd general meeting for their outstanding work for the VSS. The municipality of Algund also received a special stage. On behalf of Mayor Ulrich Gamper, Günther Andergassen and Paul Romen accepted the plaque for winning the “South Tyrolean Exercise and Sports Space Prize” competition.

Coach & Trainer of the Year

For the 19th time, the Association of Sports Clubs of South Tyrol (VSS) honored the trainer of the year at its general meeting. The 2022 winners are Klara Angerer from ASC Sesvenna and Hubert Nössing from SSV Brixen Handball Women. Klara Angerer is a luminary in the South Tyrolean cross-country skiing world. She herself achieved a lot during her active time as an athlete and can highlight, among other things, two Olympic participations as her greatest successes. Klara is not only the president of the club at ASC Sesvenna, but also a trainer and looks after the young athletes with a lot of passion and commitment.

Coach and Trainer of the Year were honored.

Hubert Nössing has dedicated his life to the sport of handball. He has been responsible for the handball players at SSV Brixen since 2015 and immediately led them to the highest league in Italy. The victory of the Italian Cup last year was just one of the moments of success that the women's team was able to celebrate under his leadership.