The Olympic Games are just around the corner, with Paris set to host the world’s largest sporting event in two weeks. With around 11,000 athletes from over 200 countries participating, the Olympics are a global phenomenon that captivates over 3 billion viewers worldwide. But what exactly makes the Olympics so fascinating? The German Olympic Society (DOG) in Darmstadt delved into this question during their spring event themed „The Fascination of the Olympic Games.“
At the well-attended Olympic evening, featuring guests such as Gerhard Hennige, a medalist from the 1968 Olympics, Heiner Henze, a former sports official with extensive experience at 13 Olympic Games, and Katrin Lebherz, a volunteer at the 2000 Sydney Games, different perspectives on the allure of the Olympics were shared. Despite their varied backgrounds, all three agreed that the Olympic Games hold a special place for athletes, officials, volunteers, and spectators alike.
Norbert Lamp, the chairman of DOG Darmstadt, highlighted the unique atmosphere, the convergence of diverse sports and nations, and the camaraderie in the Olympic Village as key elements that athletes often cite as memorable aspects of the Games. As anticipation builds for Paris, the DOG Darmstadt expressed their hopes for fair and peaceful competitions, while also rooting for athletes with ties to Darmstadt, such as triathlete Lisa Tertsch, swimmer Anna Elendt, and hockey player Jean Danneberg.
The German Olympic Society is dedicated to promoting the Olympic spirit and values such as Fair Play, commitment, international understanding, and teamwork across Germany. For the past twelve years, they have organized the „Jung, sportlich, FAIR“ competition for young people aged 12 to 19, recognizing fair behavior. Additionally, schools nationwide can participate in the „Sport verbindet“ creative competition during the Paris Olympics, encouraging students to explore how sports can contribute to global peace beyond the Olympic Truce.
Locally, DOG Darmstadt has launched a broad sports competition for elementary schools in Darmstadt and the surrounding area to inspire children to engage in sports and foster a sense of Fair Play. The organization also hosts regional events for Pierre de Coubertin Prize winners from South Hesse, inviting them to meet former Olympians and enjoy a circus performance at Circus Waldoni.
In May, a new board was elected for DOG Darmstadt, with Norbert Lamp continuing as chairman, Wilhelm Roth as vice-chairman and treasurer, Hannes Marb overseeing membership and social media, Carola Krieg leading sports projects and play festivals, and Katrin Lebherz managing public relations. Rainer Paepcke, representing DOG Darmstadt, has conducted numerous interviews and profiles of Darmstadt athletes who have competed in the Olympics in recent years.
For more information on DOG Darmstadt, including athlete profiles and upcoming events, visit their website at www.dog-darmstadt.org. For inquiries, contact Norbert Lamp, Chairman of DOG Darmstadt, at norbertlamp@gmx.de or 06151-51306. The German Olympic Society in Darmstadt continues to promote the Olympic spirit and values, engaging with the community and celebrating the universal appeal of the Games.
