These are the winners of the sports gala

They took center stage at the Jena Sports Gala in the Volkshaus: the athletes who had attracted attention in the past year with their exceptional achievements. Prizes were awarded in a total of seven categories at the joint event organized by the city sports association and the city of Jena - accompanied by show acts and music.

With their national and international successes, the athletes represented Jena throughout the country, emphasized Lord Mayor Dr. Thomas Nitzsche.

"Their dedication to sport and their determination and will are a great example to us all."

Nitzsche also expressly thanked the trainers, coaches and numerous supporters, without whose tireless work such successes would not have been possible.

Kathleen Alles came out on top in the "Sportswoman of the Year" category. The athlete from the X-Runners Jena club successfully took part in the World Championship in Obstacle Course Racing. Wrestler Stefan Bittmann received the "Sportsman of the Year" award. He dominated the competition in the 51 to 55 age group at the German Championships and won the gold medal.

podium places at the U20 German Championships and a bronze medal at the U20 European Championships: Shot putter Chantal Rimke from LC Jena was honored as the best young athlete for her extremely successful 2023 competition year. Raphael Falkenthal won the young athletes' award. The basketball player from Medipolis SC Jena took home the bronze medal at the 2023 U18 European Championships.

The table tennis players from SV SCHOTT Jena e.V. were named Team of the Year. For the first time in the club's history, they were promoted to the 1st Bundesliga, where they have been very successful so far.

However, awards were not only presented to active players, but also to coaches and people who have made a special contribution to sport in Jena. Christina Suchlich from SV GutsMuths Jena was voted "Coach of the Year". Among other things, the badminton coach supported four children so successfully that they were able to qualify for the sports high school.

The award for outstanding services to sport in Jena went to the citizens' initiative for a sports swimming pool, which had campaigned for a new building with great commitment for many years. Even after the decision to build was made, the members supported the swimming pool company with their professional expertise.

In his welcoming address, Dr. Thomas Nitzsche emphasized that 2023 was also a special year for sport in the city of Jena. The Boulder Bundesliga, the host town program for the delegation from Latvia and the opening of the indoor swimming pool were just some of the many highlights. He was also pleased that Jena's sports clubs recorded an increase of 1,600 members in the survey that ran until mid-February.

"That shows me how much voluntary commitment there is in Jena and what is achieved in sport on a daily basis."

• SSB badge of honor for Petra Buschendorf (handball)
• Klaus Nägler (orienteering) - Medal for services to Jena sport from the Jena Sports Association