Troisdorf-Spich, Germany – The Rhein-Sieg-Kreis recently celebrated outstanding athletic achievements and dedicated volunteer efforts at the “Spotlight Sport” awards ceremony. Revived in 2019 after previously being known as the “Sportlerehrung,” the event, held at the Bowling Arena in Troisdorf-Spich, recognizes individuals who have excelled in their respective sports and those who contribute tirelessly behind the scenes. The Kreissportbund Rhein-Sieg e.V. And the Rhein-Sieg-Kreis jointly selected the honorees, with support from Kreissparkasse Köln and the Rheinische Redaktionsgemeinschaft.
The evening brought together approximately 130 guests, with 60 representing the breadth of competitive and recreational sports within the region. Athletes were recognized from a diverse range of disciplines, including rowing, swimming, and track and field, as well as more specialized pursuits like Gangreiten, American football, softball, and Taekwondo. Notably, the event also highlighted Para sports, featuring athletes competing in Para Badminton, Para Cycling, and even PingPongParkinson Tischtennis – a unique adaptation of table tennis for individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
The awards ceremony wasn’t just about recognizing accomplishments; it was also an opportunity for athletes to share their stories. Moderated by two-time Olympic medalist Sarah Voss and sports journalist Quentin Bröhl, several athletes engaged in discussions about their journeys and successes. Prior to the announcement of “Sportler des Jahres” (Sportsperson of the Year), “Sportlerin des Jahres” (Sportswoman of the Year), and “Mannschaft des Jahres” (Team of the Year) – awards determined by readers of the Rhein-Sieg-Rundschau, Bonner Rundschau, and Rhein-Sieg-Anzeiger – Landrat Sebastian Schuster addressed the audience. “I have always been passionate about sports,” Schuster stated, “But seeing the extraordinary achievements these individuals have reached with immense dedication fills me with particular joy to publicly acknowledge these exemplary performances.”
Schuster, alongside Marco Steinbach, a board member of Kreissparkasse Köln (which provided financial support for the event), and Wolfgang Müller, President of the Kreissportbund Rhein-Sieg e.V., presented each athlete with a certificate of recognition. Several athletes were singled out for particularly impressive results. Kanutin Franziska Gawehn of Siegburger Turnverein 1862/92 e.V. Earned a second-place finish at the U-23 World Championships in Wildwater Canoeing. Annika Zeyen-Giles, competing in Para Cycling from Hennef, secured a third-place finish in both the road race and time trial at the World Championships, adding to her two bronze medals from the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.
The event also honored eight “exceptional talents” in recreational sports who have repeatedly earned the German Sport Badge (Deutsches Sportabzeichen). Udo Hergesell was recognized as having achieved the badge an impressive 70 times, demonstrating a long-term commitment to physical fitness. These honorees underscored the positive impact of sports on health and well-being.
Beyond athletic prowess, “Spotlight Sport” also acknowledged the vital contributions of volunteers. Dimitrios Lautenschläger, founder, chairman, and coach of NLZ Bonn (formerly TKD Swisttal), and Mathias Jehmlich, from the Stadtsportverband Niederkassel and Hertha Rheidt, were recognized for their dedication to their communities.
Jehmlich has served as chairman of the Stadtsportverband Niederkassel since 2009, guiding the organization through a period of potential dissolution and ensuring its continued success. He remains actively involved as a board member and also holds the position of president at FC Hertha Rheidt 1916 e.V., having previously served as a gymnastics coach and member. Lautenschläger has spent the last 27 years developing Taekwondo in Swisttal, with his athletes consistently achieving top placements at German and international competitions. Ten of his athletes were honored at the ceremony, and he has guided three athletes to World Championship titles. His club recently relocated to Bonn and now operates under the name NLZ Bonn.
The “Spotlight Sport” awards serve as a testament to the vibrant sporting community within the Rhein-Sieg-Kreis, celebrating both the dedication of its athletes and the invaluable contributions of those who support them. The event highlights the importance of recognizing achievement at all levels, from elite competition to grassroots participation.
The Kreissportbund Rhein-Sieg e.V. Serves as the umbrella organization for approximately 550 sports clubs in the Rhein-Sieg-Kreis, representing a total membership of over 145,000 individuals and 14 city and municipal sports associations. The organization provides advice and support to its members, promotes recreational and health sports, and facilitates training and development opportunities for coaches.
Looking ahead, the Kreissportbund Rhein-Sieg e.V. Will continue its work supporting the local sports community, fostering participation, and recognizing excellence. The next major event on the calendar is the annual Sport im Park festival, offering a range of sporting activities throughout the Rhein-Sieg-Kreis. Further details on upcoming events and initiatives can be found on the Kreissportbund Rhein-Sieg e.V. Website.
