The Department for Integration and the Citizens' Service for Migrants (BSfM) had organized a varied programme of entertainment, cabaret, music and entertainment: The Robert Beitsch & Crew, Anissa Loucif, Momo, violin duo Angelstrings and the dancers from the Kwiatkowski dance school in Salzgitter took part.
Stefan Klein, First Mayor of the city of Salzgitter, thanked the many committed people involved in integration on behalf of Lord Mayor Frank Klingebiel, the city council and the administration. "Integration has a very high priority in and for Salzgitter. Thanks to the many committed people, there are many positive examples of this in our city," emphasized Stefan Klein. This is made visible on a day like today.
Presenter and organizer Dincer Dinc ensured an entertaining afternoon in his usual entertaining manner before announcing this year's winners in his laudatory speech:
The German Lifesaving Association (DLRG) Salzgitter-Bad local group.
The volunteers managed to offer a swimming course for women with a history of migration so that they could overcome their fear of water and learn to swim.
In his laudatory speech, Dincer Dinc emphasized that the volunteers of the DLG local group Salzgitter-Bad have done just that. "We are celebrating an association that not only saves lives - but also gives confidence. One that has shown that integration does not begin in concept papers, but in real life. At the poolside. In conversation. In working together. What the volunteers have achieved is more than just a swimming course. It is a story of courage, trust and encounters," emphasized Dincer Dinc.
The beginning was not easy. There was skepticism, reticence and language barriers on both sides, which were then overcome:
Eight women from Salzgitter came to the Thermalsolbad every Saturday from 8 to 9 p.m. from January to June to overcome their fears and learn to swim. They accepted the swimming instructors and lifeguards and gradually learned to swim. Instead of insecurity, trust developed. The participants were also happy about the many tips from the edge of the pool and from the water...
"And then something happened that you can't plan: Confidence. "There wasn't just swimming. People listened. We kept quiet together when the fear was too great. And we cheered together when it was overcome. One woman said after the course: "The sea used to be meaningless to me - now it means freedom." Another: "I surprised myself. I jumped. I have dived. I am proud." And the team? They didn't just teach, they learned. They saw how much strength there is in these women. How much will. How much hope. They came as trainers - and left as allies," explained Dincer Dinc.
This project is a start for a new way of working together, for self-realization and for emancipation. It is particularly pleasing that there have already been 18 further requests from women with a history of migration.
"The Bunte Sole 2025 is therefore not going to an association that teaches swimming. But to an association that opens doors. That shows how foreignness becomes closeness. How a course becomes a movement. How integration succeeds - quietly but effectively," said the presenter to great applause.