DBS Turns 50

The German National Paralympic Committee, the Deutscher Behinderten-Sportverband (DBS), celebrated its 50th anniversary on 11 May 2001 in Hamburg, with more than 700 guests from the fields of sport, politics, business and media. The occasion was graced by the presence of Gerhard Schröder, Chancellor of Germany; Dr. Robert Steadward, President of the IPC; Theodor Zühlsdorf, President of the DBS; Ortwin Runde, Major of the City Hamburg; and Prof. Walther Tröger, President of the German National Olympic Committee and Delegate Member of the IOC for Disability Sport. From its pioneer days following the Second World War, the DBS has grown into one of the largest NPCs today, with more than 330,000 members in 18 federal associations and over 3,200 local organizations. 

In his speech during the ceremony, IPC President Dr. Steadward lauded the DBS for its 50 years of contribution to sport for athletes with a disability. “You are to be gratefully acknowledged and recognized today,” said Dr. Steadward, “as your efforts, your commitment to excellence and your pride have done much to advance the cause of sport, not only in Germany but all over the world. On behalf of the entire Paralympic family, I offer you my sincere congratulations on your outstanding achievements and history of 50 years, and your devotion to providing the utmost support and opportunity for the Paralympic movement to flourish in Germany.” 

For the DBS, its 50th anniversary celebration also comes with a big obligation, noted Dieter Keuther, DBS Secretary General. “It is our goal,” said Keuther, “to motivate the estimated 6.6 million people with a disability in Germany to participate in sport.”

On 12 May, a day after the celebrations, Theodor Zühlsdorf was re-elected as DBS President by the 157 delegates present. Said Zühlsdorf, who has been DBS President for the past six years: “I am aware of the responsibility of this task, and I gladly accept this re-election.” The delegates also elected, among others, two new Vice-Presidents: Prof. Dr. Johanna Hübscher and Matthias Berg, winner of numerous medals in both the Paralympic Summer and Winter Games and a member of the IPC Legal Committee.