As the multi-sport European Championships kick off in Munich today, more than 4,700 athletes from around 50 nations have flocked to the historic German city to participate in the innovative event.

Nine sports are part of the bonanza and in the next 11 days, the historic Olympic Park will be the centre of Europe on the 50th anniversary of the 1972 Olympics that were held in the same city.

The event is the creation of sports administrators Paul Bristow and Marc Joerg and enjoyed its inaugural version four years ago as Glasgow and Berlin played hosts to seven sports.

This year the event grew to nine sports, welcoming beach volleyball, canoe sprint, para-sport events, table tennis, and sport climbing.

And the event is a game-changer for these sports as it ensures they receive considerably more coverage and audience reach than hosting their championship as a standalone event.

Wolfgang Wabel, vice president of the International of Sport Climbing’s executive board and a Munich native, is thrilled that his sport is part of the event and is eager to see the crowds meet climbing.

“It is important, it's a sign as it shows us that we are growing and being recognized as a sport,” he said.

“We love the concept, and we are excited to be a part of it - it is much bigger than our previous championships, we have a spectacular venue so everyone and especially the athletes are pleased to be here, and it will increase the profile and the outcome.”

Sport Climbing has existed as a sport for decades and the current world federation was founded in 2007.

But things took off last year as the sport made its debut at the Olympics, with Great Britain represented in the women’s competition by Shauna Coxsey.

An Olympic appearance worked wonders for the sport that, as Wabel said, now has offers to enter other multi-sports events in the future.

Britain will compete in Munich with 12 athletes, participating in all three disciplines across boulder, lead, and speed.

The team is headlined by 20-year-old Hamish McArthur, who won Britain’s only medal in last year's World Championships, a bronze in lead, as well as 21-year-old Max Milne, from Aberdeen, who is in a great season that saw him win silver in a World Cup competition in June.

Milne enters the championships as the No.3 ranked European climber in bouldering, whereas McArthur is fifth in the lead rankings.

The multi-sport European Championships Munich 2022, featuring Athletics, Beach Volleyball, Canoe Sprint, Cycling, Gymnastics, Table Tennis, Triathlon, Rowing, Sport Climbing, takes place 11th-21st August on the 50th anniversary of the Olympics Games in the Germany city. Follow online at bbc.co.uk/sport