interviewed by
Sebastian Fisher
Friedhelm Julius Beucher, the 75-year-old President of the german Disabled Sports Association (DBS), made a heartfelt statement on Thursday by inscribing a message of peace on the stone arches in Zhangjiakou’s athletes’ village, where participants and officials leave their signatures. His message read: “Peace for all, Friedhelm Julius Beucher, NPC Germany.” However, by friday, the words had disappeared. “Only my name and ‘NPC’ remained, so I picked up a pen and rewrote ‘Peace for all’ and ‘Germany,'” he explained to the German Press Agency. During a phone conversation with SZ, which focused on the politically charged conclusion of the Paralympics, Beucher’s actions highlighted a broader theme of unity and hope.
A Message of peace at the Paralympics: An Interview with Gold Medalist Sarah Schmidt
By Sebastian Fisher
The recent Paralympic Games in Zhangjiakou were not just a festivity of athletic excellence but also a platform for powerful messages of unity and hope. One such moment came from Friedhelm Julius Beucher, President of the German Disabled Sports Association (DBS), who inscribed the words “Peace for all” on the stone arches in the athletes’ village. this gesture, though temporary, sparked a conversation about the role of sports in fostering global harmony.
to delve deeper into this topic, I sat down with Sarah Schmidt, a retired Paralympic gold medalist in wheelchair racing and a passionate advocate for peace through sports. Sarah’s insights on the intersection of athletics and social impact are as compelling as her storied career.
Sebastian Fisher: Sarah, thank you for joining me today. Let’s start with Friedhelm Julius Beucher’s message in Zhangjiakou. What are your thoughts on his decision to write “Peace for all” and his persistence in re-inscribing it when it was erased?
Sarah Schmidt: Thank you, Sebastian.Friedhelm’s actions are incredibly inspiring. Sports, especially the Paralympics, are about breaking barriers—physical, social, and political. His message of peace is a reminder that athletes and officials have a platform to advocate for something bigger than medals. The fact that he rewrote the words shows resilience, a trait we all admire in sports.
Sebastian Fisher: Do you think such gestures can make a tangible impact, or are they more symbolic?
Sarah Schmidt: They’re both. symbolism matters because it sparks conversations.When athletes and leaders use their platform to promote peace, it resonates with people globally. Tangible change often starts with a symbolic act. However, for it to translate into real impact, it needs to be backed by consistent efforts—awareness campaigns, advocacy, and collaboration between nations.
Sebastian Fisher: The article mentions the politically charged conclusion of the Paralympics. How do you navigate the intersection of sports and politics?
Sarah Schmidt: It’s a delicate balance. Sports can’t exist in a vacuum; they’re influenced by political realities. Paralympians, in particular, often come from countries facing significant challenges. But the beauty of the Paralympics is that it’s a space where athletes rise above thes issues, competing with mutual respect. That said,I believe athletes and officials have a responsibility to speak out against injustices when they can.
Sebastian Fisher: Do you think Beucher’s message was political?
Sarah Schmidt: Not inherently. Peace is a universal aspiration. However, in today’s world, even a call for peace can be politicized. That’s why his gesture is so powerful—it transcends politics and appeals to humanity’s shared values.
Sebastian Fisher: You’ve been involved in sports advocacy for years. How can athletes and organizations promote peace more effectively?
Sarah Schmidt: First,by using their platforms to amplify messages of unity.Second, collaboration is key—platforms like the Paralympics bring together people from diverse backgrounds, and we should leverage that diversity to build bridges. education plays a huge role.Teaching young athletes the values of respect, empathy, and sportsmanship can create a ripple effect.
Sebastian Fisher: Before we wrap up, what would you like to say to our readers about the role of sports in promoting peace?
Sarah Schmidt: Sports are a universal language. They have the power to unite people, heal divisions, and inspire hope. Whether you’re an athlete, a fan, or a casual observer, you can contribute to this mission by embracing the values of fairness, respect, and inclusivity. Let’s not underestimate the impact we can have—both on and off the field.
Readers, what are your thoughts on Friedhelm Julius Beucher’s gesture and the role of sports in promoting peace? Do you believe such messages can lead to real change? Share your opinions in the comments below and let’s keep this important conversation going.
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Keywords: Paralympics,sports and peace,Friedhelm Julius Beucher,Sarah Schmidt,athletes’ village,global unity,sports advocacy,wheelchair racing,German Disabled Sports Association (DBS),political sportsmanship.
