Sports through DIS Strong Body, Healthy Mind!

Athletics play a large part in the Danish lifestyle, and Danes constantly seem to be walking, running, or biking. DIS is in contact with a variety of sports clubs across the greater Copenhagen area, and there are numerous opportunities. While not all of the instructions will be in English, the Danes will be sympathetic if you are unable to understand and will be able to translate the most important instructions. It is also a great way to improve your Danish and make Danish friends. Most Danes speak nearly perfect English, so communication should not be a problem!

Some cultural differences

Sports in Denmark operate differently than traditional youth or college sports in the States. It should first and foremost be noted that intramural sports do not exist in Denmark. There are no high school or college sports, but clubs that function independently. In any given club, you can have members ranging in age from 5 to … pretty old! Most clubs are also arranged by where you live, so unlike the States, it is not common to drive huge distances in order to participate in local Danish athletics. The clubs often function as social as well as athletic organizations. On all teams, you will be playing with Danes.

Getting Started

More than ten sports clubs will be represented at the Immerse Yourself Fair during the Arrival Workshop. You can however get a head start before leaving home. Based on surveys performed among American students, DIS has singled the five most popular sports. You can sign up as a part of the online registration process and you will thus almost be guaranteed a spot on a team. A waiting list can however occur at times. The disciplines are the following: Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer (football), Ultimate Frisbee, Handball, Yoga at DIS, Gym participation.

Basketball

DIS has established an agreement with Falcon Basket, one of the biggest basketball clubs in Denmark with more than 400 players. Falcon Basket has teams for all ages, an elite men’s and elite women's team and various second league teams. If you want information about the Falcon elite men’s or women's team you should contact Niels Trzecieski. For the second league adult teams you should contact Andreas Hougaard. Learn more about Falcon Basket at the Immerse Yourself Fair and the orientation meeting during the Arrival Workshop.

Volleyball

Play volleyball with the USG athletic organization, Denmark’s answer to intramural sports. The USG allows students from Copenhagen to participate in a variety of sports at a range of levels. DIS covers the entry fee and you will therefore only have to pay for the activities you take part in. USG also gives you a unique opportunity to meet Danes your own age. You will get the opportunity to sign up for the USG program during the first week of your stay in Copenhagen. You can download USG’s program here or find more information about USG at www.usg.dk.

Soccer

The ØKF soccer team runs a number of teams for men as well as women. You have to bring your own clothes, sneakers and shin guards for practice. The membership fee is 200 kroner (approximately $40). Representatives from ØKF will pick you up at DIS before the first training session. Learn more about ØKF at the Immerse Yourself fair or at the ØKF Homepage.

Ultimate Frisbee

Play ultimate frisbee with the USG, which allows students from Copenhagen to participate in a variety of sports at a range of levels. DIS covers the entry fee and you will therefore only have to pay for the activities you take part in. You will get the opportunity to sign up for the USG program during the first week of your stay in Copenhagen. You can download USG’s program here or find more information about USG on www.usg.dk.

Handball

Handball is a team sport in which two teams of seven players each (six outfield players and a goalkeeper) pass and bounce a ball to throw it into the goal of the opposing team. The team with the most goals after two periods of 30 minutes wins. It´s quite a fast game and includes some body contact as the defenders try to stop the attackers from approaching the goal. Students can play handball with the USG. DIS covers the entry fee and you will therefore only have to pay for the activities you take part in. You will get the chance to sign up during the first week of your stay in Copenhagen. You can download USG’s program here or find more information about USG on www.usg.dk

Yoga

DIS offers yoga classes at the main DIS building, which are open to students, interns and faculty. Yoga offers you an opportunity to get to know other people from DIS while coming down from your hectic everyday life – a class that strengthens body, mind and soul. Meet your yoga instructor at the Immerse Yourself Fair or contact Courtney at palinurus17@hotmail.com for more information.

Gym

DIS will set up an agreement with a gym when you arrive. Learn more at the Immerse Yourself Fair or contact sports@dis.dk for more information and prices.