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Neuss's Rhine-Kreis: A Fresh Start in Sports Promotion
For 17 years, the Rhine-Kreis Neuss's Sports Promotion Office was steered by Thomas Schütz, a dedicated sports enthusiast. Now, it's time for a new chapter as young gun Lars Witte (27) steps up to the plate. A seasoned athlete himself, Witte left his Westerwald hometown at 16 to train as a cyclist at Dormagen's Knechtsteden sports boarding school. He also completed his dual studies for a "Bachelor of Laws" in the Rhine-Kreis Neuss, and since 2020, he's been residing in Kaarst, serving as the chairman of the cycling department at VFR Büttgen. His network of fellow sports enthusiasts, stemming from years of voluntary work as a functionary and coach, will prove invaluable in his new role.
County Administrator Hans-Jürgen Petrauschke is thrilled to have Witte on board: "Lars Witte's passion for sports will make our county even more enticing as a sports hub, already recognized as an 'NRW Performance Sports Region' and a pioneer in numerous areas." Witte, who worked as a performance caseworker and later in the Controlling/Organization department following his stint in the county administration, will now be the youngest head of the county administration.
"I'm beyond excited about my new gig at the House of Sports," says Witte, highlighting that the Sports Promotion Office supports sports clubs under the Rhine-Kreis Neuss Sports Association, focusing on performance sports, talent scouting, coaches, and school sports. The Sports Office, Sports Consultation Office, the Sports Foundation, and the Sports Association operate together in a four-pillar model.
Petrauschke and County Director and Sports Commissioner Dirk Brüggge expressed gratitude towards Thomas Schütz, who is retiring: "We're losing a seasoned, sovereign, and reliable head of the office with Schütz's departure," Petrauschke stated. After joining the county administration in 1981, Schütz worked in various roles, including the Ordnungsamt and Upper Building Authority before taking over the sports promotion in 2007 and managing the Sparkasse Neuss and Rhine-Kreis Neuss Sports Foundation simultaneously.
Though his focus will likely shift from active participation to management, sports will still play a significant role in Thomas' life. He previously competed in modern pentathlon and has been an active member of the Neuss Swimming Club and Chinese martial arts. As a retired husband of two grown children, he plans to travel with his wife during his golden years.
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Lars Witte, in his new role as the head of the Sports Promotion Office, aims to further establish Neuss as a hub for performance sports, including football. Thomas Schütz, in his retirement, still intends to remain active in sports, having competed in modern pentathlon and being an active member of the Neuss Swimming Club and Chinese martial arts.
