The Leisure and Recreation Programme, launched in 1970 by the Bavarian State Government, was designed to greatly aid the construction of outdoor recreation facilities. In the course of reform of the state support system in 1997 that programme was replaced by the Outdoor Recreation and Garden Exhibitions Programme. There is no way of assessing the number of Bavarians going in for sports. In addition to the 4 million sporting club members, there are many more that actively indulge in sports round the year outside such clubs. Exercise is healthy and Bavaria provides abundant opportunities thereof.
Sport is recreation and leisure in one.
The Bavarian State Government lays particular stress on encouraging athletics for everyone. This applies to both the field of education and to the organized sports. In the sphere of education, the sporting commitment of the State Government ranges from kindergartens to universities. Thus, already in kindergartens great importance is attached to games and exercise. Over and above the minimum of two sports classes a week, all comprehensive schools offer also a wide range of sporting activities designed to encourage a lifetime love of active sport.