Leipzig clubs and SV “Unity” Borna honored with the Saxon Inclusion Prize

Leipzig. The inclusion prize was awarded in the Saxon state parliament on Tuesday. This honors initiatives that actively and sustainably promote the idea of ​​inclusion. Among the award winners in the “Sport” category are the LTTV Leutzscher Füchse 1990 e. V., the ATV Volkmarsdorf 90 e. V. and the SV “Unit” Borna e. V. three clubs from the Leipzig region that were able to convince with their commitment to lived inclusion. Each club received prize money of 3,000 euros, which will be used to continue their projects.

From inclusive table tennis and badminton to the Special Olympics

The Leipzig table tennis club Leutzscher Füchse was honored in the “Clubs up to 250 members” category. Around 200 active participants play here in an environment that is equally open to people with and without disabilities. The club is particularly proud of its barrier-free hall, which was completed in 2024. “Table tennis for everyone” is not an empty phrase, but a living reality, emphasized the jury.

In the “Clubs over 250 members” category, ATV Volkmarsdorf 90 impressed with its “Inspire(d)” inclusion project, which brings people with and without disabilities together through joint badminton training. The cooperation with SV Rhinos Leipzig is an example of an “unusual path” that breaks down barriers and expands commitment.

SV “Unity” Borna received the special prize. The club enabled a girl with intellectual disabilities to realize her dream of gymnastics as the coach found new approaches to individually adapt the complex requirements. Three girls with intellectual disabilities are now training in the club, and one of them won a medal at the Special Olympics in 2023.

The prize money in the “Sport” category was donated by AOK PLUS. Thorsten Jannaschk, Managing Director of the Leipzig Region of AOK PLUS, was also part of the jury, as was SBV Vice President Simone Zimmermann and national sitting volleyball player Tanja Leistner. A total of 86 applications were received for this year’s Saxon Inclusion Prize, nine of which were awarded in three categories.

Michael Welsch, the Saxon state representative for inclusion, emphasized: “With the inclusion award, we are setting an example for lived diversity and shared commitment. The award winners exemplify the strength and creativity of our society.”

LVZ