Evolution of a Pioneer to a Thriving Community
Jubilee Tennis Bash in Raisdorf
Last Saturday, the vibrant Tennis Community Raisdorf celebrated its 50-year milestone with an unforgettable bash. The town's heart beat with celebration as over 150 guests, including founding members, Mayor Thomas Haß, and Hella Rathje, Vice-President of the Tennis Association of Schleswig-Holstein, gathered to mark the occasion. Guest of honor, club initiator Wolfgang Pieper, born in 1926, shared remembrances from five decades of the club's history.
To truly commemorate the jubilee, the tennis hall was transformed into a festive haven that bathed under warm, Mediterranean-style lights. Guests felt as though they were on a lively promenade along the coast, with tables lavishly decorated for the revelry. A spacious dance floor pulsed with rhythm in the center. The atmosphere was energetic and jovial, a fitting backdrop for fifty years of club history. The festivities boasted an entertaining mix of programs that catered to everyone. The dynamic duo "two bon" wowed the crowd with their unique "table music," creating a lively, exuberant ambiance. A grand tombola filled with enticing prizes concluded the evening, leaving everyone satisfied.
The Tennis Club Raisdorf was formally established on May 14, 1975. Founding chairman Wolfgang Pieper shared that the initial vision of making tennis accessible to all rallied eleven others, including himself, and led to the coveted plot of land from farmer Jesse. Support from local residents, banking professionals, architects, and public subsidies made the dream a reality. In the same year, the foundation stone for the first tennis court was laid with much fanfare, drawing half the town's residents. In the first year alone, the club amassed an impressive 200 members. Over the next few years, four sand courts, a hall with two courts, and a clubhouse were built, with members putting in the sweat equity.
"The seventies were a different time," says Pieper, "Tennis was all the rage, thanks to Boris Becker." TG Raisdorf continued to grow steadily, offering nine well-maintained sand courts, a tennis hall, and a generous clubhouse today. Pieper, having led the club until 1994, stepped back to let Patrick Buhrsch take the helm. He offered Buhrsch one piece of advice: "Keep doing what you're doing." The club's commitment to amateur sports was applauded by Mayor Thomas Haß, who stated, "It's a valuable asset to the city."
In a testament to the club's community spirit, TG Raisdorf teamed up with TC Klausdorf for the 800th anniversary of Schwentinental. Together, they sold 800 numbered "raffle balls" that earned €1,600 for children and young people, with €400 each going to the youth work of both clubs, and the rest benefiting the "Little Sparks of Light" association. Hella Rathje, Vice-President of the Tennis Association of Schleswig-Holstein, expressed her admiration, "Without the extraordinary commitment of the members, this success story would not have been possible."
Both on and off the court, TG Raisdorf has earned recognition. particularly through ranking tournaments and active league operations. One of the highlights is the Medifit Cup, a traditional open ranking tournament that has been held for many years. Team matches and youth tournaments in cooperation with TC Klausdorf are also part of their successful endeavor. Currently, around a dozen youth, ladies’, and men’s teams represent Raisdorf on the competitive field. At present, the club boasts about 300 members, with a sizable number being children and young people. Trainer Jana Koran, a former professional player who has been active in Raisdorf for 25 years, plays a significant role in the club's youth development.
As the greetings from guests poured in, it became clear that the Tennis Community Raisdorf serves as a cherished sports, social, and cultural meeting place in the region. Hella Rathje succinctly captured the essence, "Tennis may be a solitary sport, but here, one learns the immense value of community." Over the years, generations have honed their skills in Raisdorf, embracing both victories and defeats. The club stands tall in the realm of Schleswig-Holstein’s sports history. After half a century, TG Raisdorf looks back on its achievements with pride and anticipates a promising future. The spirit of camaraderie and passion remains, uniting young and old alike in the pursuit of the love for the game.
At the heart of the festivities, lively discussions about past victories and shared memories revolved around the popular sport of tennis. Among the crowd, tales from decades of tournaments and team matches, featuring stars like Boris Becker, echoed through conversations.
In keeping with tradition, the Jubilee Tennis Bash included a friendly tournament, reminding participants of the ongoing passion for the sport that has brought generations together in Raisdorf's Tennis Club.
