The European Champions Football Gala
On July 4, in Berlin, Sports for Peace brought together icons and leaders from the worlds of politics, sport and entertainment in honour of the fight for democracy and solidarity, and in celebration of the unifying power of sport. The German Football legend and European Championship tournament director Philipp Lahm aptly described its transformative capacities: "Football has the unique power to connect people worldwide and to convey values such as fair play and respect."
Such power is of vital significance in today’s world, and German Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius highlighted its relevance for facilitating respect and unity. He clearly asserted that "Peace at any price, even at the price of freedom, is not peace," emphatically underscoring Germany’s continued commitment as the strongest European supporter of Ukraine in the fight against Russian aggression.
When the founder of Scoring Girls, Tugba Tekkal, took to the stage, she issued a profound wake-up call: "Words are followed by gestures, gestures are followed by deeds. We must act now!" Her emotional appeal against racism and extremism inspired a standing ovation.
The European Champions Gala welcomed renowned athletes such as European football champion Thomas Helmer, former national goalkeeper Uli Stein, boxing world champion Arthur Abraham, boxing world champion Firat Arslan, Olympic champion in discus throw Robert Harting and track cycling world and Olympic champion Kristina Vogel. Sports for Peace was further honoured by the presence of President of the Berlin Football Association Bernd Schultz, Managing Director of Hertha BSC Thomas Herrich, Managing Director of Union Berlin Horst Heldt, Berlin Senator for the Interior and Sport Iris Spranger, Member of the Bundestag Philipp Hartewig. Prominent artists such as international opera and musical star Anna Maria Kaufmann, TV journalist and filmmaker Düzen Tekkal, and winner of the Golden Lion at the Venice Biennale Tino Seghal were also in attendance.
The Gala represented a vibrant convergence of athletes, activists, and leaders to recognize and to celebrate the vast capabilities of sports to promote shared values and facilitate a more just and peaceful world, setting the stage for Sports For Peace’s future endeavors.
Honouring
EURO 2024 Tournament Director and the Captain of the World Champion Team of Germany
Philipp Lahm
“In the summer of 2007, I traveled to South Africa to get an impression of the country that would host the 2010 World Cup. In the townships of South Africa, I saw countless children and young people growing up without any hope and in great poverty. This experience was decisive for my desire to help personally and to motivate others to support me in this endeavor.
Sport - especially football - presents a unique opportunity to reach young people. It is an important part of a holistic education. Through sport, fundamental social values and skills are conveyed, which can sustainably change children’s lives: responsibility, team spirit, fair play, and respect for rules. New perspectives are shown, and children learn to understand that education is the path to a better future.
I grew up in Munich, in a sheltered environment, surrounded by my family. I had all the means at my disposal to eventually become a successful professional footballer. With my foundation for sport and education, I want to support children and young people who were less fortunate than I was - in South Africa and in Germany!” On December 11, 2007, he founded Philipp Lahm Foundation.
“As the tournament director, I of course want to see a great German team, but also to witness a great atmosphere and a safe EURO. At such a tournament, lots of people come together and cheer together, and celebrate football and great games, too. What’s important are also the personal connections to others, like the volunteers, and the people who come to Germany. I always like to look back on 2006, how many people assembled for public screenings and celebrated together, regardless of where they came from, what their skin colour was or what religion they followed.”
Auction Contributions
Zinedine Zidane
Cristiano Ronaldo
Lionel Messi
Further Highlights
Scoring Girls
“Scoring Girls offers girls and young women – regardless of their background, socio-economic status or faith – the chance to work together to identify their strengths and passions and build up enough self-confidence to realize their dreams in life. Through team sports, school and homework help, career guidance and the involvement of strong female role models, project participants learn to treat each other with respect and believe in themselves – whether in the classroom or on the soccer field.”