Lower Austria's state parliament: focus on sport and childcare!

Lower Austria's state parliament: focus on sport and childcare!

The state parliament of Lower Austria met on June 12, 2025 at 1 p.m. under the chairmanship of President Mag. Karl Wilfing. At this meeting, the new MP Matthias Zauner was sworn in, who took over the mandate from Mag. Jochen Danninger. In addition, a minute of mourning was held for the victims of the tragic school shooting in Graz, which visibly affected the deputies.

A central topic of the meeting was the first current hour, in which “Sport as sustainable health care – investments with a long-term effect” was discussed. MP Philipp Gerstenmayer (FP) emphasized the importance of regular exercise for health and called for more investment in exercise prevention. Mag. Edith Kollermann from the Neos also pointed out alarming health statistics and advocated for more sport in schools. This debate particularly highlighted the need to better promote the potential of sport.

Sport and health: A pressing issue

The second topical hour dealt with the state and local authorities' childcare offensive, which also aims to promote better early childhood development. MP Silke Dammerer (VP) highlighted the important role of state kindergartens. Mag. Indra Collini from the Neos called for a legal right to a childcare place, while Mag. Georg Ecker (Greens) emphasized the importance of good childcare for education and integration.

The debates were in the context of current challenges that families face in times of stressful events, such as the shooting rampage in Graz. Experts emphasize that parents should pay close attention to the age of their children when dealing with difficult topics. With four to five-year-old children, it is important not to use unfamiliar terms such as “shooting spree” and instead to stay in the children’s language. This sensitivity is crucial for the psychological well-being of children, especially in stressful situations.

Early health promotion in kindergarten

Health promotion and the development of health-promoting behavior play a central role in early childhood education. The “I Am Me Program” promotes self-esteem and a sense of belonging in children and aims to give them a greater degree of self-determination over their health. Early education in areas such as personal hygiene, nutritionally conscious behavior and enjoyment of exercise are essential components for growing up healthy.

Health promotion also has a social dimension, as unequal living conditions, such as poverty and social disadvantage, have serious effects on the health of children and young people. Educational institutions are required to promote skills such as self-esteem, initiative and the ability to deal with conflict. These aspects are important not only for current well-being, but also for healthy development into adulthood.

Overall, the meeting of the Lower Austrian state parliament shows how closely health, education and social conditions are interwoven. A comprehensive approach that combines investments in sport, early childhood education and psychosocial support is considered essential to meet the challenges of today and the needs of children and families.

For more information about the session of the Lower Austrian State Parliament, please visit OTS. Details about child care and the needs of parents and children after stressful events can be found at courier. Further aspects of health promotion in childhood are discussed in the article about the “I am me program”. Kindergarten pedagogy treated.