Silver Star Honor Recognizes Two Decades in Fulda
Jeder ist anders – Inklusionssport Fulda e.V. claimed third place in the silver category at the Hessian “Sterne des Sports” awards. The distinction honors two decades of promoting equal participation and community engagement through athletics in the Fulda region.
The state-level decider followed an earlier regional bronze victory that secured the club’s entry. On Tuesday, October 27, Hessian Minister for Family Affairs, Seniors, Sports, Health, and Care Diana Stolz joined representatives from the Volksbanken Raiffeisenbanken and the Landessportbund Hessen at Schloss Biebrich in Wiesbaden to present the distinction.
Wiesbaden Ceremony and Jury Recognition
During the Wiesbaden ceremony, Sebastian Emmert, a board member of VR RegionalBank eG, presented the Silver Star to the club members. André Peter of VR RegionalBank eG noted that the club’s application immediately stood out to the jury due to several “wow-effects” and its clear demonstration of collaborative teamwork.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the organization integrates individuals with and without disabilities across multiple athletic disciplines. Madita Bahr from the club’s leadership team emphasized that sport functions as a space where differences fade and genuine community takes root.
Programming and Inclusive Governance
Operating across the region, the club provides training options designed for varying physical abilities. Participants can choose from football, archery, boccia, badminton, table tennis, dart, vaulting, and rehabilitative sports. Inclusion extends past training hours into governance, where members with disabilities help shape club decisions and serve on the inclusive board.
Partnerships with seven external entities—including the Hochschule Fulda—help generate additional courses and collaborative events. Public gatherings such as the Boccia Night, Disco auf Rollen, and the Fulda-Cup, alongside an inclusive school football tournament during the Hessentag featuring 20 teams, reinforce these community bonds.
Dismantling Social Barriers
Isabell Vogler of the leadership team pointed out that shared physical activity dismantles social reservations more effectively than any theoretical explanation, building friendships and self-confidence along the way. To spread this impact, the club encourages other organizations to take initial steps toward inclusion by opening existing training groups, raising awareness among instructors, and designating reliable contact persons.
Daniel Plappert, also part of the leadership team, summarized the core philosophy by stating that, for the club, inclusion means openness rather than separation.
The Silver Star award recognizes this commitment and provides momentum for the club’s continued work.
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