Sporthilfe
- Founded
- 1967-01-01 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Headquarters
- Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Stiftung Deutsche Sporthilfe – often shortened to Sporthilfe – is Germany’s largest and most important private sports funding initiative. Established in 1967 ahead of the 1972 Munich Olympic Games, the foundation has supported more than 47,000 athletes across over 50 sports disciplines. Sporthilfe provides financial aid, scholarship programs, dual-career counselling, and access to business networks, enabling young and top-level athletes to combine elite sport with education and career development. The foundation is funded by donations, corporate partnerships (e.g. DEUTZ, Tipico), and public contributions. It operates flagship programs such as the Sporthilfe Talent Team, the Tipico Champion Fonds, and the Juniorsportler des Jahres award. Headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, Sporthilfe is governed by an executive board and a board of trustees, employing approximately 60–70 staff.
Detailed Review
History and Mission
Stiftung Deutsche Sporthilfe was founded in 1967 on the occasion of the 1972 Munich Olympic Games as a charitable foundation under German law. Its core mission is to provide holistic support to Olympic, Paralympic, and non-Olympic athletes, ensuring they can focus on sporting excellence without sacrificing long-term career prospects. Over decades, the foundation has distributed hundreds of millions of euros in direct stipends, educational grants, and project-based funding.
Key Programs and Activities
Sporthilfe’s most visible program is the Sporthilfe Talent Team, a pool of promising young athletes who receive comprehensive support including coaching, medical care, and dual-career guidance. The Tipico Champion Fonds, launched in 2025, offers individualised project funding for sports psychology, equipment, and competition travel. The “Stepping Stone to the Future” program helps athletes transition into business careers via internships and networking with partner companies. The annual Juniorsportler des Jahres award honours Germany’s outstanding young athlete, while the Sporthilfe Magazin keeps donors informed. The foundation also runs the Sporthilfe Founder Academy, a start-up competition for athlete-entrepreneurs.
Governance and Leadership
Sporthilfe is led by CEO Thomas Berlemann, with Karsten Petry serving on the Executive Board responsible for marketing, sales, and events. The board of trustees includes figures from sport, business, and politics. The foundation does not operate any gambling or iGaming products; its entire focus is athlete welfare and sports development.
Recent Developments
In 2026, Sporthilfe announced a major partnership with DEUTZ AG to expand dual-career programs, and it actively supports the German Olympic bid. The foundation’s funding relies on private donations and corporate sponsorships, with no commercial gambling ties.
Key Products
Sporthilfe Talent Team
A pool of young elite athletes receiving comprehensive support including financial aid, medical care, and dual-career counselling to reach world-class level.
Tipico Champion Fonds
Individualised project funding for athletes covering sports psychology, equipment, competition costs, etc., backed by the Tipico Champion Initiative.
Juniorsportler des Jahres
Annual award honouring Germany’s most outstanding young athlete, including a ceremony and prize money.
Stepping Stone to the Future
Dual-career program connecting athletes with businesses for internships, career counselling, and employment paths after sport.
Sporthilfe Magazin
Quarterly magazine covering athlete stories, foundation news, and sports policy issues.
Moving Talents Program (with DEUTZ)
Dual-career initiative providing direct support (internships, counselling) to Talent Team athletes.
Sporthilfe Founder Academy
Start-up competition that helps athlete-entrepreneurs and other young founders develop business ideas.
Recent News
Tipico and Sporthilfe Select 62 Elite Athletes for Tailored Champion Fund
Tipico and Sporthilfe have selected 62 athletes from over 30 sports for the new Tipico Champion Fund, which tailors financial support to individual performance needs rather than fixed grants.
2026-07-17