Strebel, the boss of EVZ, builds the most modern skills center for the sport

Billiards is not thinkable yet. On Hans-Peter Strebel's billiard table in his apartment in Lucerne, plans and documents related to the OYM construction project pile up. OYM, it is the abbreviation of "On Your Marks". A term of athletics. "On the squares. Made. Come on! And by 2020 at the latest, we want to start with the gigantic skills center for sport and high-level research at Cham ZG.

The project is unique in Switzerland. In Europe too. And probably around the world. State-of-the-art facilities, rehabilitation centers, nutrition science and high-level sports research – all under one roof. Visualizations of the elegant construction, the inauguration ceremony was held 15 months ago, hanging on a wall in the apartment Strebel. Is it now 24 hours OYM? "Almost," smiles the 69-year-old, "the EV train also has many thoughts, but yes, I really like this project."

The fairy tale story of sports sponsor Strebel begins more than 50 years ago with the EV train. Whoever hears it feels enthusiasm. "I was a hockey fan in my childhood. I watch matches since the beginning of the competitions. "It all started in 1967. At that time, Zug was still playing in the open Herti stadium by wind and rain." That's when I became a fan of this team. And you generally stay that way all your life. "

This last sentence, it says a lot about the pharmacist's son of Muri AG. Once captured by his enthusiasm and fascination, he gives his life. Halbheiten is not his thing. "I'm very excited, I need a moment to understand and until my engine starts to spin, but then you can not turn it off."

This was also the case in the 1970s when he chaired the fan club "Freiämter-Team for EVZ". He organized car trips to the games and sold the tickets in his pharmacies. In 2010, Strebel became a member of the ECC Board of Directors. "That's why I saw the backstage of elite sports, which immediately fascinated me."

In many discussions, especially with managing director Patrick Lengwiler (40), it became increasingly clear in what areas the club needed to be developed. "It was obvious that we needed a better infrastructure." At the same time, the idea was born to intensify the promotion of young talents. The vision of the Hockey Academy, then the team of the Swiss League, was born. "One piece of the puzzle has come to another."

The promotion of young talents is a central topic for him, his commitment goes beyond high-level sport. He is also interested in the social and educational value of sport. And now, he's doing his OYM project. As a private builder, he says. He is also president of OYM AG.

This vision of long-term sports promotion, she came to the doctor of science, but not overnight. It has increased steadily over the past eight years. The CCE also benefits. With more and more players, the space and training capabilities of the Bossard Arena have reached their limits. Players had to train in the aisles, which was unsatisfactory, Strebel said.

"From these circumstances, it was necessary to achieve something new.I quickly realized that it was not a cheap project and that it was too big for the ECC. I thought, I'm ready to do it as a private person. "The OYM. For a total of CHF 100 million.

Strebel said, "Luck has played an important role in my wealth, so society should also have some of it." Strebel adds: "I've earned a lot of money, so it's nice to do something sustainable." and buildings are his gift to society and sport. The goal is to be able to write a black zero for the operation. Athletes and teams pay for the corresponding service packages.

The most important renter will be the EV train which will also have to pay. And although Strebel still clearly differentiates his commitment as a club president and as a private person, something is clearly defined: "The ECC is the only club team that can call on OYM services," he says. he. "I can not be president of EVZ and coach at the same time from other clubs." But the Swiss national hockey team is welcome. She will complete preparations for the Cham home WC in 2020.

The OYM, which also has accommodation options with 25 double rooms, will host the Women's Handball Academy. "At OYM, top athletes from a wide variety of disciplines are supposed to inspire each other – it's a motivation for everyone." with anti-doping specialists is sought. "The OYM must be totally doping-free, there is not even any alcohol in the restaurant." But the best food, recommended by nutritionists and creatively implemented by chefs.

Athletes are coached by sports coaches and have modern infrastructure. In addition to the athletic hall of 3000 m2, it is a triple gym with a special glass floor, where the lines of different terrains can be displayed with LED lights in just press a button.

In addition, there is an ice hockey field that can be converted from European to North American with a hydraulic belt system. Other infrastructure specific to ice hockey is a skillill and various ranges in which everything is measured, from the reaction time of the player to the speed of the puck.

In addition, four 80-meter speed lanes will be set up in a gallery of the athletics hall. Among other things, a physiotherapist has a treadmill in the water for optimal care, which adjusts the joint load by means of different levels of water.

The OYM has reached an impressive dimension. "I am convinced that the results of the research will provide us with a lot of information for the development of athletes."

Here he is again discoverer and developer. Once, a drug made it rich. He is now looking for the recipe for success in the sport.