A Year of Support: Empowering Bavarian Judo Athletes
The Bavarian Judo Support Association is proud to reflect on a successful year of supporting our talented athletes.Thanks to the generous contributions of our 43 members,we were able to make a tangible difference in the lives of both established champions and promising young judoka.
In 2024, we received an impressive 34 applications for financial assistance, all aimed at enabling athletes to participate in crucial tournaments and training camps across the globe. we were thrilled to distribute a total of €1,605.43,effectively reducing the athletes’ financial burden by approximately 30%. This support allows them to focus on their training and competition without the added stress of important expenses.
This year, we also remember and honor the legacy of our founding member, Gerhard Fleißner, who sadly passed away.His unwavering commitment to the Bavarian Judo Support Association and the BJV Judoka will always be remembered and deeply appreciated.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Frauke Vortmann, the BJV competitive sports representative, for her consistent and generous donations that go above and beyond the standard annual contribution. Her understanding of the financial challenges faced by athletes, gained through her own experiences, makes her support even more meaningful.
The smooth operation of the Bavarian Judo Support Association is a testament to the dedication of our board members, Bianca Mederer and Gerhard Dempf. Their collaborative spirit and commitment are invaluable to our success.
As we look ahead to 2025, the Bavarian Judo Support Association remains committed to empowering our athletes and fostering the growth of judo in Bavaria. We extend our warmest wishes for a joyous holiday season and a prosperous New Year to all our members, donors, and supporters.
Sincerely,
Gerhard Auer
Bianca Mederer
Gerhard Dempf
Judo Support Association Bavaria eV
Empowering Bavarian Judo: A conversation with Olympic Medalist, Annett Böhm
Welcome back, judo enthusiasts!
Today, we have the immense pleasure of hosting a true icon of the sport, Olympic bronze medalist and Bavarian judoka legend, Annet Böhm. Annette, thank you so much for joining us.
Annette: It’s my absolute pleasure to be here. Supporting Bavarian judo is something close to my heart.
Fantastic! I want to delve into the recent report released by the Bavarian Judo Support Association. They’ve highlighted a truly remarkable year supporting Bavarian judoka through financial assistance for tournaments and training camps. What are your thoughts on the impact of this kind of support on young athletes?
Annette: It’s absolutely crucial. Judo, like any competitive sport, requires extensive training, travel, and specialized equipment. These expenses can be overwhelming for young athletes,especially those just starting their journey.
Knowing there’s an organization like the Bavarian Judo Support Association alleviating some of that financial burden allows them to focus on what truly matters: their training and betterment. It can be the difference between chasing a dream and having to put it on hold due to financial limitations.
That’s a powerful point, Annette. The report also mentioned a 30% reduction in athletes’ expenses thanks to the support. Do you think this level of support is sufficient, or are there further steps we coudl take to ensure Bavarian judoka have the resources they need to thrive?
Annette: While 30% is a fantastic start, I believe there’s always room to do more. Perhaps exploring partnerships with local businesses or sponsors who are passionate about supporting young athletes could further enhance the association’s resources.
Additionally,raising awareness about the challenges faced by up-and-coming judoka within the broader Bavarian community could encourage broader support and investment.
Agreed.the report also paid tribute to the late gerhard Fleissner, a founding member of the association. How important is it to remember and honor individuals who have made such meaningful contributions to Bavarian judo?
Annette: Remembering pioneers like Gerhard Fleissner is essential. They laid the foundation for the vibrant judo community we have today in Bavaria.
honoring their legacy inspires future generations of judoka and reminds us of the collective effort it takes to build a successful sporting culture.
Beautifully put,Annette. what message do you have for young judoka aspiring to compete at the highest level?
Annette: Never give up on your dreams. The path to success in judo is paved with dedication, perseverance, and belief in yourself. Surround yourself with supportive coaches, teammates, and family. And remember, every step you take, every training session, every competition, brings you closer to achieving your goals.
Thank you so much for those inspiring words, Annette. I know our readers will be deeply moved by your insights. What are YOUR thoughts on the Bavarian Judo Support Association’s work? share your comments below,and let’s keep the conversation going!
