Mayor Frank Frühauf welcomed approximately 300 guests to this year’s Idar-Oberstein Volunteer Appreciation Festival at the exhibition hall. The evening focused on thanking active volunteers and honoring outstanding athletic achievements.
Many people in Idar-Oberstein volunteer with clubs, organizations, and initiatives, dedicating their time, energy, experience, and knowledge to serving the community. This civic engagement is invaluable and deserves special recognition—the city of Idar-Oberstein honors it with its traditional Volunteer Festival.
Mayor Frühauf also expressed this in his welcoming remarks, when he described volunteerism as a cornerstone of the city and a living example of democracy. “I am constantly impressed by the diversity of this volunteerism in our city,” said the mayor. The guests represented more than 40 organizations, including sports and beautification clubs, cultural associations, social groups, environmental organizations, neighborhood assistance groups, political bodies, as well as the volunteer fire department, the Federal Agency for Technical Relief, aid organizations, and emergency services. The latter received special praise in light of the current challenges, which was underscored by applause from those present. “It is a priority for the city of Idar-Oberstein to support volunteer work as best as possible within the scope of available resources,” emphasized the mayor. In addition to the volunteer festival, this includes providing grants to clubs, participating in the state-wide Volunteer Card program, awarding the Golden Pin of Honor, and reviving the volunteer exchange program.
Awards for Outstanding Athletic Achievements
As is tradition, Mayor Frühauf also used the Volunteer Appreciation Festival as an opportunity to honor successful athletes with certificates and cash prizes. For example, “Blazing Fusion,” the cheerleading team representing Idarer TV and VfR Baumholder, won the runner-up title at the World Championships in Orlando (USA). The TV Oberstein rope-skipping teams 1 and 3 were also honored. Team 1 celebrated, among other achievements, the German championship in Double Dutch Speed, and both teams successfully competed at the World Championships in Tokyo. Rope skipper Maike Preuß of TV Oberstein and boxer Valentin Schulz of the Idar-Oberstein Boxing Club were honored for their individual achievements. Among other accomplishments, she was the winner of the national Double Dutch Under Cup, and he became the German U17 middleweight boxing champion.
In addition to speeches and awards, there was also an entertainment segment during which the a cappella group @bast wowed the audience with their rhythmic performances. The previously honored “Blazing Fusion” put on a spectacular cheerleading routine. The guests responded to the performances with prolonged applause.
After the official portion of the Volunteer Appreciation Festival, a hot-and-cold buffet provided an opportunity to refuel and, above all, to socialize. In a relaxed atmosphere, guests were able to strike up conversations with one another and wind down the evening together. With the Volunteer Celebration, the city of Idar-Oberstein once again highlighted the great importance of volunteer work for the community. Above all, the city wanted to convey one thing to the many active volunteers: a heartfelt thank you for their dedication.