"The Arbeiter-Turn- und Sportbund (ATSB or Workers´ Gymnastics and Sports Federation) was a national German sports organization active between 1893-1933. The organization actively promoted leftist political ...
views built around class struggle and nationalism.
Sport in late 19th century Germany was centered on the development of gymnastics and was highly politicized with strong nationalist overtones. A clear class divide developed and often workers were not accepted within the ranks of established sports clubs. In response, separate worker´s clubs emerged and in 1893 the Workers´ Gymnastics Federation (ATB or Arbeiter Turnerbund) was formed in Gera. In June 1919, following World War I, the federation was renamed Arbeiter-Turn- und Sportbund to reflect the rise of sports other than gymnastics including athletics, handball, and especially football." - (en.wikipedia.org 29.01.2020)
