Passing of Kurt Hack

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, November 9, 2009: The FIG is greatly saddened to announce the death of Kurt Hack, founder of the family-owned enterprise Eurotramp Trampoline – Kurt Hack GmbH, a long-term partner of the FIG. Kurt Hack passed away after a long illness Thursday night at the age of 79.

Kurt Hack – friend, supporter and manufacturer of trampoline

Though Kurt Hack handed over the management of Eurotramp, the enterprise he founded in 1960, to his grandson a couple of years ago, he remained actively involved in the business until his death. The development and manufacturing of trampoline apparatus is the backbone of Eurotramp’s success and Hack demonstrated unwavering commitment to it on a daily basis.

In a leading position, Hack was responsible for the development of trampoline apparatus as regards safety, stability and quality, which led to the high technical standard performed by elite trampolinists worldwide today. He maintained close contact with the sport itself and rarely missed a major trampoline competition, whether in or out of Germany. Because he took the time to discuss trampoline issues with coaches, gymnasts, organisers and officials, Hack developed ideas that were often implemented, influencing Eurotramp manufacturing and that of his competition.

“The international gymnastics family has lost one of its pioneers in the field of apparatus manufacturing,” said Horst Kunze (GER), President of the FIG Trampoline Technical Committee. “He was an original, and his lifelong love and passion for trampoline gymnastics helped transform the sport into what it is today by developing and producing excellent apparatus for 50 years. Together with his wife Rose and the whole Eurotramp family we are grieving for a great man and a good friend.”

Eurotramp – a family-owned enterprise

When founding the trampoline manufacturer Eurotramp alongside his wife Rose in 1960, Kurt Hack dreamed of developing and producing an excellent sporting device that, based on consistent technological innovation, would always have an edge on products produced by their rivals.

Entrepreneurialism, new innovations and hard work were the basis of the Eurotramp track record over the past 50 years. It all began in the fifties in Göppingen (GER) as a small craft business, but soon had become a medium-sized enterprise that delivers trampolines to countries worldwide, boasting extraordinary references. Today, Dennis Hack, the founder’s grandson, is the company’s managing director and continues to run his grandparents’ business.

(source: Eurotramp)

Eurotramp and the FIG

Having spent many years as a long-term partner of the International Trampoline Federation (FIT), Eurotramp has enjoyed positive cooperation with the FIG since the dissolution of the FIT and its subsequent merger within the FIG in 1999. The company has supplied Olympic trampoline venues with equipment since the discipline was added to the Olympic Programme in 2000, and has been the official supplier for nearly all World Championships since 1972.

Although elite level sport is Eurotramp’s main focus, the company attaches great importance to the development of the sport and offers products to a broad clientele in schools, recreational centres and for therapeutic purposes. As a sponsor of the FIG development programme for Trampoline Gymnastics, Eurotramp provides equipment to eligible applicants free of charge. Lithuania profited from the programme in 2009.

The upcoming 26th Trampoline Gymnastics World Championships and 19th World Age Competitions to be held in St Petersburg from November 11-14 and 18-21 respectively will be equipped with Eurotramp trampolines.

On behalf of the FIG and its Authorities, President Bruno Grandi extends his warmest condolences to the family and closest friends of the deceased.