Special Facilities for the Visitor
This outstanding success is without doubt due to the fact that our visitors were offered numerous facilities of various kinds. Following negotiations carried on by the Publicity Committee in the summer of 1934, the transportation companies agreed to grant a considerable reduction in fares to Olympic visitors. The official participants were offered a reduction of 50% in Germany and large groups of tourists were afforded the same advantage. Fares were reduced 60% for foreigners, transportation companies abroad likewise lowered their rates and a reduction of 20% was allowed for transatlantic and air travel.
The youth of the world were given special consideration, and in view of the fact that they would be the future exponents of the Olympic ideals we were determined that as many young people as possible should have the opportunity of being present at the Games. The Organizing Committee thus began negotiations in September, 1934 for the erection of a youth tent encampment near Rupenhorn
The restful landscape of the Olympic Village near Doberitz
The Olympic amphitheatre, the Dietrich Eckart Open-Air Theatre, under construction.
which would accommodate 30 young representatives of each nation at a great international youth rally. Another encampment organized on similar lines for the physical education students and instructors of the world was later constructed on the University Athletic Field near the Avus Race Track. Other centres were also planned for various youth conventions, one being located at Pichelswerder, a second in the neighbourhood of the Reich Sport Field on the opposite side of Heer-Strasse and a third in Ruhleben near the stables of the race course, which were used for the horses taking part in the equestrian competitions and the polo ponies. The Hitler Youth also established an encampment in the midst of the Grunewald. A total of 11,148 youthful visitors were thus enabled to lead a simple camp life and attend the Games. The Prussian and Berlin Forestry Departments rendered valuable assistance in these preparations, and the tents for the international youth and physical educational student encampments were erected by the Second Company of the Fourth Pioneer Corps of the German Army. In the spacious army tents, each of which was adequate for a national group, a gay and festive atmosphere prevailed. The young representatives of the various nations thus became acquainted with one another and formed friendships. The Berlin populace enjoyed the presence of these young people in their colourful national costumes, and they in turn lent an air of freshness and enthusiasm to the Games through their participation.
The Honorary Youth Service
A second youth group, the Honorary Youth Service, which was founded in October, 1934 and included 185 boys and 70 girls, also contributed decidedly to the success of the Games. We selected these young people from the Berlin sporting clubs, the qualification being that they spoke one or two foreign languages and in their education and external appearance were fitted for the tasks imposed upon them. They were trained in the field of languages and general service for a period of two years, and during the Games rendered valuable assistance in their white costumes. Several were assigned to each national team, performing errands and similar tasks at the Olympic Village and other centres of activity, and acting as messengers during the competitions. The girls were given the attractive task of accompanying the victors at the time honours were awarded and of placing the wreath of oak leaves upon their heads.