Freiburg is preparing to celebrate its sporting achievements at the annual Gala Night of Sports on March 14, 2026, at the Freiburg Concert Hall. The event, a tradition for recognizing the dedication and success of local athletes, will honor 173 individuals with city sports medals. This year’s gala holds particular significance as it marks the final time Stefan Breiter will preside over the ceremony as Sports Mayor, adding an emotional layer to the festivities.
The Gala Night of Sports is more than just an awards ceremony; it’s a celebration of the vibrant sporting community in Freiburg. From gymnastics and diving to triathlon and beyond, the event aims to provide a well-deserved platform for athletes of all disciplines. The evening promises a blend of recognition, entertainment, and a touch of glamour, bringing together the Freiburg sports family for a memorable occasion. The event underscores Freiburg’s commitment to fostering athletic talent and recognizing the contributions of its athletes to the city’s identity.
A Night of Recognition and Celebration
The evening will begin at 6:00 PM with a “get-together” in the concert hall foyer, offering attendees a chance to mingle and explore interactive stands showcasing various sports. Food and beverages will be available, with larger meals requiring pre-ordering online. The Rolf Böhme Hall will open at 7:30 PM, offering concert-style seating for the main ceremony. Athletes and teams receiving honors will be seated in the upper tiers, while accommodations will be made for deaf athletes to ensure clear visibility of sign language interpreters on the floor level.
Julica Goldschmidt will host the two-and-a-half-hour program, beginning at 8:00 PM. She will guide the audience through the world of Freiburg sports, featuring engaging conversations and captivating performances. The highlight of the evening will undoubtedly be the presentation of the 173 city sports medals, awarded by Mayor Martin Horn and Sports Mayor Stefan Breiter. These medals recognize outstanding achievements throughout the past year, spanning various skill levels and disciplines.
Medal Breakdown and Club Rankings
Sports Mayor Breiter emphasized the importance of the event, stating, “Since 2019, I have been able to honor the athletes of our city. This big celebration of the Freiburg sports family has always been one of the absolute highlights of the year for me. It shows how strongly the sports city of Freiburg is represented in competitions. After seven years full of medals, Here’s now my last gala night, but it shouldn’t be a sad evening. So let’s once again celebrate our top athletes properly!” Freiburg-Tickets.de provides information about the event.
The medal distribution will be as follows: 45 youth sports medals, 46 bronze medals, 23 silver medals, and 59 gold medals. Notably, ten medals – representing 5.71% of the total – will be awarded to athletes and teams participating in sports for the disabled, demonstrating the city’s commitment to inclusivity.
The Freiburg Swimming Sports Club (SSV) leads the club rankings with an impressive 41 medals, closely followed by the Freiburg Gymnastics Association of 1844 with 34 medals. The Fight Club Freiburg, the Deaf Sports Club Freiburg, the Tri-Team Freiburg, and the University Sports Club (USC) Freiburg each secured 8 medals, sharing third place. This ranking highlights the strength and diversity of the sporting clubs within Freiburg.
Honoring Athletes of All Ages and Abilities
This year’s honorees represent a wide range of ages and accomplishments. Triathlete Günter Birnbaum, a member of the Tri-Team Freiburg, will be recognized as the oldest honoree, celebrating his 87th birthday. The youngest recipients are a trio of ten-year-olds: track and field athlete Finn Lucas Kempter (Deaf Sports Club Freiburg) and divers Fridolin Puce and Benno Gabel (both SSV Freiburg). Puce previously received a medal at the gala as a nine-year-old, showcasing the early recognition of talent within the Freiburg sports system.
Helga Dießlin, a deaf badminton player, remains the all-time leader in medal count with an impressive 26 medals. Bernhard Maier (23 medals, Deaf Sports Club Freiburg) and Tobias Plötze (19 medals, SSV Freiburg) follow in second and third place, respectively, although all three are no longer actively competing. Discus thrower Gabriele Engelhardt (Breisgau Athletics Club) has moved into third place with 19 medals, continuing a legacy of athletic excellence.
Athlete and Team of the Year Selection
The Gala Night of Sports will culminate in the announcement of the Athlete and Team of the Year for 2025. The selection process began in January, with nominations presented by the Gala Night jury in collaboration with the Freiburg Weekly Report. The Badische Zeitung reports on the event and provides details on the voting process.
Voting is currently open to the public through original ballots from the Freiburg Weekly Report and online at www.galanacht-des-sports.de until March 2nd. The winners will be announced on stage during the gala, adding an element of anticipation and excitement to the evening.
Tickets for the Gala Night of Sports are available for purchase online, with seats in the Great Hall of the concert hall priced at 25 euros while supplies last. The event organizers and the city extend their gratitude to all sponsors, particularly the long-standing media partner, Freiburger Wochenbericht, for their continued support.
The Gala Night of Sports is a testament to the dedication, perseverance, and achievements of Freiburg’s athletes. It’s a celebration of the city’s sporting spirit and a recognition of the vital role sports play in the community. As Sports Mayor Breiter prepares to step down from his role, this year’s gala promises to be a particularly poignant and memorable occasion.
The next key date for those interested in participating is March 2nd, the final day for voting for Athlete and Team of the Year. Stay updated on the event and its honorees through the official website, www.galanacht-des-sports.de. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and experiences from the Gala Night of Sports in the comments below.
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