Fulda (cb) – Goosebumps moments at the ceremonial athletes’ awards ceremony in Flieden: On Friday evening, 426 athletes from the Fulda district were honored for their unique achievements in the district sports hall. To the thunderous applause of hundreds of guests, the winners received their well-deserved fame and were in the spotlight for a moment outside of their competition venue.
“We have come together today to honor you athletes for your outstanding achievements,” emphasized Frederik Schmitt, who looked at many happy faces. The first district councilor also had joy written on his face when he recognized special successes at Hesse, federal, European and world levels. 153 individual athletes and 63 teams were honored. “An absolutely fantastic achievement when you consider that there are 60,329 members of sports clubs in the district,” said Schmitt. Winfried Happ, chairman of the Fulda district sports committee, was also unable to express his feelings: “This is something very special. But it is also important that something continues to happen here in the district.”
For the 22nd time, the Fulda district’s sports plaque was traditionally awarded during the event. Three people were happy about this award: Arthur Belika from TV Jahn Neuhof, Gerhard Pankow from the Eichenzell shooting community and Werner Scheffler, who was active for the Lauterbach/Hünfeld district football committee for decades. “We want to give you a big compliment,” said Schmitt.
But as outstanding as the athletes from the Fulda district are, the achievements would not be possible without the team in the background, the district councilor was certain: “It simply deserves a big round of applause for everyone who supports their children in sport. Without the commitment of parents, coaches, carers and volunteers, we would not be here today. All of this requires a very special commitment.”
The hundreds of guests were by no means bored during the almost two and a half hour event: this was also ensured by two acrobatic performances by the Fun- and Minitastix from Welkers. Under the direction of trainer Denise Martin, the dancers gained fame far beyond the regional border: it was only in September that the Minitastix were crowned German champions. They really heated up the audience with two of their latest choreographies. Things will get really exciting for the acrobatics group on Saturday: they’re going to the German Championships in Worms. Things got similarly exciting when a dojo was quickly set up in the district sports hall: Tim Nebenühr and Demetre Makalatiya showed a judo show fight. Both athletes from TV Petersberg are on the international stage: Nebenführung as the reigning German champion and Makalatiya as runner-up. The band “Dirty Mind” from Hofaschenbach also ensured a perfect supporting event, creating a great atmosphere with their cover hits.
