Friendship Trophy Victory: Calais Triumphs in Sports Competition
Victory Cheers Echo in Duisburg-Calais Sports Exchange
The trophy has found a new home. Duisburg, after claiming the title last year, fell to Calais in the 43rd sports exchange between the two partner cities. The youth talents of Calais seized their home advantage and clinched the competition with an impressive score of 11.5:4.5 points.
A friendly rivalry met its peak during the award ceremony at Calais' Town Hall. Mayor Natacha Bouchara handed the victory trophy to her city's team, while Duisburg's athletes received the lid of the trophy as a consolation and motivation, a tradition dating back to last year when the roles were reversed.
A Spectrum of Sports, One Win in Hockey
The competition program showcased a variety of sports including football, handball, hockey, athletics, swimming, shooting, sailing, and table tennis. Duisburg emerged victorious in hockey, managed a draw in sailing and shooting, and even scored half a point in table tennis.
Over 137 young athletes from Duisburg displayed their skills in Calais, representing various clubs such as Club Raffelberg, TS Rahm, Eintracht Duisburg, the water sports association Rumeln-Kaldenhausen, the HSG Homberg-Rheinhausen, the PSV Duisburg, the swimming team Duisburg, and a specialist selection for table tennis. Sandra Niedzwiedz and Uwe Busch led the Duisburg city sports association delegation, with Mayor Edeltraut Klabuhn cheering on the visiting team as the official fan of Duisburg.
Uwe Busch: Celebrating European Spirit
Uwe Busch took the defeat in stride, acknowledging that the sports exchange transcends mere points and victories. He emphasized that the experience of meeting Calais athletes and the shared camaraderie were the true highlights. At the post-competition party in the Stade de l'Epopée's VIP room, all rivalry seemed to fade away as everyone celebrated in harmony.
Speaking at the official reception, SSB board member Uwe Busch underscored the significance of the exchange amidst the current political climate. He highlighted the importance of promoting and living the European spirit.
As they prepared to leave, the Duisburg team bid a fond farewell to Calais, promising to return in the near future. "Merci, Calais; au revoir, Duisburg."
The Power of Sports Exchanges
Sports exchanges are instrumental in fostering international relationships, mutual understanding, and promoting European values. These events provide opportunities for cultural exchange, international cooperation, and showcasing shared commitment to ethics such as fair play and sportsmanship.
While specific details about the Duisburg-Calais sports exchange are sparse, it undeniably embodies the spirit of cooperation, camaraderie, and pursuit of shared values that sports exchanges foster.
Despite the defeat in football, Duisburg managed to bring home victories in other sports like hockey and even scored half a point in table tennis. The Duisburg team, led by Uwe Busch, appreciated the sports exchange as an opportunity to meet Calais athletes, celebrate European spirit, and foster international relationships.
