Harburg – The Hamburg Turnerschaft von 1860 (HTB) concluded a dynamic weekend of activities on Jahnhöhe, hosting four distinct events that highlighted the club’s broad community engagement and organizational vitality. From a formal members’ assembly to a vibrant children’s olympics, the program underscored the club’s role as a central hub for sport and civic life in the Harburg district.
The weekend commenced on Friday with the HTB’s annual members’ assembly, where President Michael Armbrecht welcomed numerous local political figures. During the proceedings, the club announced the election of Torsten Schlage as vice president, recognizing his long-standing service as former managing director. Carla Rook, the HTB’s current managing director, noted that the assembly reflected confidence in the club’s trajectory despite broader political uncertainties, citing “positive and courageous decisions” made by the presidium in recent years as foundational to its stability.
Among the honors presented at the assembly, Gabriele Ewert received the Schwartaumedaille, a club award typically reserved for exceptional athletic achievement. In her case, and in several prior instances, the medal was awarded for outstanding commitment to youth sports. Ewert, who has led the HTB’s parent-and-child judo group for many years, was nominated by Ralf Reinholz, head of the judo department. Reinholz, who took over the department from founding figure Karl-Heinz Reimers—a 5th Dan DDK holder—has led the judo section with only brief interruptions since assuming responsibility. The parent-and-child judo program, under Ewert’s guidance, has gained recognition well beyond Harburg’s borders.
On Saturday, the HTB hosted its annual tag der offenen Tür (open day), which attracted more than 400 visitors to the Jahnhöhe facilities. Carla Rook reported that attendance surpassed expectations, with 56 new membership registrations recorded on-site. Of these, over 32 were in the tennis department alone, indicating strong interest in that particular program. The open day allowed prospective members of all ages to tour the grounds, participate in trial sessions, and learn about the club’s diverse offerings across disciplines such as judo, tennis, gymnastics, and fitness.
The focus shifted to youth engagement on Sunday with the Kinderolympiade (children’s olympics), an event designed to introduce young participants to various sports in a playful, non-competitive environment. Activities included modified versions of track and field, ball games, and coordination exercises tailored to different age groups. While specific participant numbers were not disclosed in the available sources, the event was described as a key component of the HTB’s strategy to foster early involvement in physical activity and club life.
The weekend concluded with an Olympia-Empfang (Olympic reception), a gathering that brought together athletes, officials, and supporters to celebrate Olympic ideals and recent achievements in international sport. Though details of speakers or specific honorees were not included in the verified reports, such receptions typically feature reflections on past Olympic performances and encouragement for emerging talent within the club’s ranks.
Taken together, the four events illustrated the HTB’s multifaceted approach to community sports: governance and recognition through the members’ assembly, outreach and recruitment via the open day, youth development through the children’s olympics, and inspiration drawn from elite sport in the Olympic reception. The club’s ability to draw hundreds of visitors and register dozens of new members in a single weekend underscores its enduring relevance in Harburg’s sporting landscape.
Looking ahead, the HTB has not announced specific dates for its next major public event, though regular programming across its departments—including judo, tennis, and fitness—continues throughout the year. For updates on training schedules, membership opportunities, or upcoming competitions, interested individuals are encouraged to consult the club’s official channels.
What aspect of the HTB’s weekend program interests you most—the community outreach, youth initiatives, or connection to Olympic values? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and consider following Archysport for more in-depth coverage of grassroots sports initiatives across Germany and beyond.
