Also media creator

Great mourning for handball visionary Walter Perkounig

Walter Perkounig died at the age of 83.(Bild: Dieter Arbeiter)

The Carinthian sports and media world is in mourning - Walter Perkounig, long-time chairman of SC Ferlach and publisher of the Rosentaler Kurier, has passed away at the age of 83.

"Walter was an integral part of Carinthian sport," said Christian Gamsler, Deputy Mayor of Ferlach, shocked by the news of Walter Perkounig's death. "The junior was a handball teammate of mine, so I know the family very well. It's a terrible loss for the Ferlach sports world, but of course also for the Austrian Handball Association."

A heart for young people and a passionate journalist
As a founding member of SC Ferlach, Perkounig did significant work for the youth in the Rosental valley. But Perkounig has also left his mark on the media landscape. First as an editor at the Volkszeitung newspaper and then as editor-in-chief at Tele Uno. The 82-year-old published the Rosentaler Kurier until the end. The monthly magazine was produced for a total of 24 years under the management of Walter Perkounig and delivered to 13,500 households in Rosental. 

Governor Peter Kaiser also mourns
Carinthia's governor and sports minister is also deeply saddened: "He was a visionary whose tireless efforts both shaped handball in Carinthia and strengthened the regional identity of the Rosental. His loss leaves a huge gap in our sports and media landscape." 

The world of sport mourns Walter Perkounig.(Bild: Dieter Arbeiter)

Pioneer for Ferlach's handball success
"Walter was an integral part of the Carinthian sports scene. He was the initiator of the triple gymnasium in Ferlach in the 1970s. Only then was it possible to play handball indoors. Before that, handball was played on the field and it was only thanks to his commitment that Ferlach got a triple gymnasium via the HTL and the elementary school, where handball was also possible indoors," recalls Christian Gamsler. 

"Walter Perkounig was a person who knew how to inspire and connect people. His work will remain unforgotten in Carinthia and we will cherish his legacy. Our thoughts are with his family, his friends and all those who were close to him at this difficult time," Kaiser concluded.