Mayor Frank Klingebiel and Steffen Krollmann from Volksbank Braunschweig/Wolfsburg honored the deserving athletes. Mayor Frank Klingebiel also honored eight long-serving volunteers for their enormous services to sport. Last year alone, the 17 clubs and competition associations from Salzgitter achieved 67 first places in state championships, eight in German championships and four in European championships.

"We are one big sports family in Salzgitter," emphasized Mayor Frank Klingebiel in his welcoming address. He thanked all those present for their "years of hard work and sacrifice."

Before the sports champions were honored, the long-serving sportsmen and sportswomen in honorary positions were honored. They were awarded plaques in silver and gold or the City of Salzgitter's letter of honor for particularly outstanding services. Mayor Frank Klingebiel said: "Sporting success needs supporters. They are the ones who give our sports family a face."

This year, the silver plaques were awarded to Nicole Michalski, Sina Reske, Thomas Reske, Marcus Müller, Martin Kolbe and Harry Kolasse for many years of voluntary work. Martin Kaletka received the gold plaque for a total of 40 years of voluntary work in athletics.

The city of Salzgitter's highest honor for voluntary work is the master craftsman's certificate. Günter Distelrath received this for his unique services as chairman and honorary chairman of MTV Salzgitter, for his supra-regional work for sport and soccer in particular. Mayor Frank Klingebiel congratulated him on his "lifetime achievement". In his words of thanks, Günter Distelrath emphasized how important voluntary work is in this day and age. "Without voluntary work, teams would be without coaches and clubs without a heart."

A sporting program accompanied the award ceremony for the 110 sports champions. Julia Grote and Lukas Köster showed off their dancing skills in two show acts, followed by Lukas Köster's juggling skills.

The official part of the evening ended with a speech by Claudia Winter, Deputy Chairwoman of the District Sports Association. She emphasized the role of sport as the "largest family of citizens".

The event is supported by Volksbank Braunschweig/Wolfsburg.