The Bavarian Judo Association (Bayerischer Judo-Verband) honored three long-serving judoka for their contributions to the sport during the District League Finals held on September 26 in Roßtal. District Chairman Michael Heinitz presented the awards, recognizing years of commitment to both regional competition and organizational development.
Silver and Gold Awards for Regional Leaders
The ceremony highlighted the intersection of athletic achievement and volunteer service. Cigdem Oberländer of TV Altdorf and Jens Geider of Budo Club Eckental were both awarded the Silver Honor Pin, while Martin Jung of TV 1848 Erlangen received the Gold Honor Pin.
Cigdem Oberländer’s career spans back to 1997, beginning with her time as a competitor in the district and Bavarian squads. Her current focus remains on developing the next generation of athletes as a trainer for beginners. She has also become a significant figure in officiating; she earned her BJV referee license in 2010 and reached the Bundes-A level in 2023, which allows her to officiate international matches. She also serves as the deputy head of referees for the Middle Franconia district.
Commitment to Coaching and Officiating
Jens Geider, representing the Budo Club Eckental, has been involved in judo for several decades. His career has been marked by a transition from competition to a dedicated coaching role. Since joining the BC Eckental, Geider has overseen the training of children, teenagers, and adults. Beyond the mat, he serves on the club’s board and plays a role in the technical development of new students and prospective black belt (Dan) candidates.
Martin Jung, the recipient of the Gold Honor Pin, has been active in the sport since 1993. His contributions at TV 1848 Erlangen include roles as a trainer and the club’s IT representative. Jung’s influence extends to the organizational level of the sport, having served as a referee since 2004. As of 2025, he holds the position of referee representative for the Bavarian Judo Association, overseeing officiating standards across the state. He also contributes as a Kata judge, further cementing his role in both national and regional judo governance.
Focus on Volunteerism in Middle Franconia
The awards ceremony served as a reminder of the reliance of the regional judo structure on long-term volunteers. By presenting these honors during the league finals, the district leadership emphasized that the sustainability of the sport depends on individuals who balance competition with administrative and officiating responsibilities. The Middle Franconia district concluded the event by formally acknowledging the years of service provided by Oberländer, Geider, and Jung.
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