The german state of Schleswig-Holstein wants to further expand its pioneering role in the field of e-sports and has therefore published a fourth guideline for the promotion of e-sports.
The aim is to further establish e-sports as a sport and to promote sustainable development in Schleswig-Holstein. The state’s Ministry of the Interior, Municipal Affairs, Housing and Sport is thus also continuing the funding of the Schleswig-Holstein E-Sport Association (EVSH).
With the decision of the state parliament on the 2023 budget, the EVSH will receive funding in the amount of 189,000 euros, which will focus primarily on the development of state-wide e-sports structures. This includes, for example, the operation of the State Centre for eSports and Digitisation SH in Kiel, which became the responsibility of the state association on 1 April, as well as the establishment and operation of four regional e-sports centres in Flensburg, Heide, Husum and Mölln. The funding measures also include the organisation of the SH 2023 e-sports state championships and training courses for e-sports coaches.
In addition, funding of 120,000 euros is available for the establishment of a technical e-sports infrastructure at sports clubs and associations as well as child and youth welfare facilities in the municipalities. With this funding, the state of Schleswig-Holstein wants to support the development of e-sports in the state and create the necessary conditions for e-sports to establish itself in society in the long term.
However, the funding is linked to various conditions to which all applicants must commit. These include, among other things, the prevention of online gaming addiction and sexualised violence on the internet as well as the teaching of media competence and a regular exercise programme. Eligible projects must not have started yet. The funding is intended to help introduce children and young people to the use of new media at an early age and to teach them skills through play.
The application form can be found under this link.