The judo club in Ried marked its 70-year anniversary with a celebration in the Bauernmarkthalle, bringing together current members, club veterans, and regional sports officials to trace seven decades of local athletic history. Founded in 1956 as a modest initiative originating in Aurolzmünster with early bouts hosted at the Gasthaus Dobetsberger, the club has since grown into one of the city’s most recognized sports institutions.
Seven Decades Under Four Presidents
During the anniversary event, honorary president Willi Krkosch, who led the organization from 1969 to 1994, served as the evening’s moderator. Krkosch highlighted a notable continuity in the club’s administrative history: across its 70-year existence, the Rieder judo club has been directed by only four presidents.
Club representatives noted that the organization successfully managed recent disruptions, including the two pandemic years, relying on institutional cohesion, patience, and resolve. Those efforts have yielded a rebound in participation, anchored by a youth division comprising approximately 70 young judoka.
The anniversary program opened with a demonstration of martial arts techniques performed by current youth and adult members, supplemented by dance interludes between formal addresses.
Official Recognition and Video Tributes
Attendees included regional figures such as Ried Mayor Bernhard Zwielehner, sports committee chairman Sebastian Forstner, provincial councilor Markus Achleitner, Austrian Judo Federation (ÖJV) President Martin Poiger, and Linz Vice Mayor Martin Hajart, a former competitor for the club.
Video messages were broadcast from Governor Thomas Stelzer, Austrian judo figure Sabrina Filzmoser—reporting from Nepal—and Upper Austrian Judo Federation President Manfred Reisinger.
The evening concluded with honors presented to key figures:
- President Florian Jungwirth received the ÖJV Silver Merit Medal.
- Harald Schneglberger was awarded the ÖJV Bronze Merit Medal.
- Honorary President Willi Krkosch received the Gold Badge of Honor.
- Günter Zinnöcker was awarded the seventh Dan in recognition of his athletic achievements.
In his address, ÖJV President Martin Poiger commended the club’s foundational efforts, calling its grassroots athletic work essential and exemplary for the sport’s future.
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