In order to recognize the outstanding achievements of volunteers in sports clubs this year despite the coronavirus pandemic, this year's Sportmeisterehrung was held in two parts on Tuesday, 11 May and Thursday, 27 May.
In the second part of the ceremony, Lord Mayor Frank Klingebiel awarded a gold plaque to Björn Lippold and a total of six silver plaques to Bettina Cassel, Klaus-Dieter Gerke, Heinz Hannich, Ralph Hirschfeld, Christian Schum and Peter Siems. The event took place in a small circle and in strict compliance with social distancing and hygiene rules in the council chamber of the town hall.
In his speech, Lord Mayor Frank Klingebiel said: "Sport has the power to change the world and spreads hope. With enthusiasm, drive and sporting spirit, our sports volunteers have done a lot to ensure that our sports family is closer than ever, even during the coronavirus pandemic. Behind the scenes, they have been preparing the return to normal sporting activities for a long time. Today's award is for all those who have been committed to our sports city for years and decades."
Athletics enthusiast Björn Lippold received the gold plaque for a total of 24 years of voluntary work at SV Union Salzgitter. He has been an active volunteer since he was 15 years old and is now the SV Union's statistics officer, referee, referee chairman and referee instructor.
Bettina Cassel has been a trainer for young athletics talent at SV Union Salzgitter for 31 years. With a lot of energy and motivation, she is now the youth supervisor in the club as well as the youth athletics association and school supervisor. She received the silver medal.
Klaus-Dieter Gerke received another silver plaque. He has held voluntary positions in various clubs and associations for over four decades. For example, he was chairman of the Braunschweig District Swimming Association from 2002 to 2007. He has been involved in the Salzgitter-Bad rehabilitation and health sports club since 2009. He has been club chairman there since 2014.
Heinz Hannich is also a volunteer at the Salzgitter-Bad rehabilitation and health sports club. He is currently Deputy Chairman there and is particularly dedicated to disabled sports, whose interests he represents in the district and state professional association. He is also part of the organization team for the Sport Motivation Day. He received the silver plaque for his voluntary work.
Ralph Hirschfeld received the fourth silver plaque. He has been the treasurer of the Rot-Weiß Salzgitter billiard sports club for 14 years and has steered the club through times of difficult financial situations. Together with his team, he has won eleven state championship titles in the three cushion and all-around billiards disciplines.
Christian Schum also received a silver plaque. He has been Chairman of SC Hellas Salzgitter since 2019 and has already achieved a lot in the club, particularly through new ideas and campaigns. He has also been deputy chairman of the district swimming association since 2013, where he actively supports the interests of swimmers.
Peter Siems from SV Union Salzgitter received the sixth award with the silver plaque. He has been the sports badge chairman there for 25 years and motivates many members to complete the various disciplines year after year. He himself has completed 35 sports badges. He has also been the club's equipment manager for 28 years and leads a fitness group.