Keystone State Volkssport Association
VOLKSSPORTING HISTORY
Volkssporting is International.
It all began in southern Germany in the early 1960's with public running races (volkslauf). These events became so popular that, in 1968, the Internationaler Volkssportverband (IVV) was founded by West Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Austria. Other countries have joined, with many more showing interest. Japan, which has many avid walkers, has recently become a member. Many of the eastern European countries have become members as well. Future volksmarchers may be able to walk around the world one day!
Volkssports in the U.S. started in Fredericksburg, Texas in 1976. The American Volkssport Association (AVA) was formally organized and officially recognized by the IVV as a member country in June, 1979. The AVA has since grown to over 500 clubs in virtually every state, including Alaska and Hawaii. We put on hundreds of events each year, promoting the benefits of physical exercise for everyone. The primary purpose of volkssporting is exercise that anyone can enjoy with companionship and souvenir awards as an added bonus.