Once a year, the state capital of Mainz honors those athletes who have impressed with their exceptional athletic achievements over the past year and have achieved success—across various age groups: “People who have achieved top results through passion, discipline, and perseverance—and who make Mainz proud,” emphasized Mayor Nino Haase at the athletes’ awards ceremony, which took place for the first time at the Lerchenberg Community Center.

At this year’s Athletes’ Awards Ceremony on March 11, 2026, a total of 107 athletes were honored for their outstanding achievements in 2025. Sports journalist Peter Herbert Eisenhuth served as the evening’s emcee. In the presence of Mayor Nino Haase and Sports Commissioner Daniel Köbler, it became clear just how diverse and vibrant the sports scene in Mainz is.

Awards were presented to 49 active and U23 athletes, as well as 34 athletes in the “Students, Youth, and Juniors” category and 24 athletes in the age and senior categories, representing a total of 18 clubs and 18 disciplines. The following were honored with the City of Mainz Sports Medal:

The following were honored with the Sports Medal of the State Capital of Mainz:

• Bronze: 12 athletes
• in silver: 19 athletes
• in gold: 6 athletes

“Year after year, our athletes demonstrate that discipline, passion, and team spirit are the best prerequisites for success,” emphasized Daniel Köbler, Head of the Sports Department. “They are role models for our youth and important ambassadors for our city.”

Mayor Haase also praised their dedication: “Sports bring people together and stand for fairness, respect, and solidarity—values that shape our city’s community.” 

The state capital of Mainz is home to over 180 sports clubs with more than 70,000 members, forming the foundation of Mainz as a city of sports. Behind every athletic success, moreover, are the people who provide support—the “unsung heroes” standing by their side: whether coaches, volunteers, or family members.  “Without them, many victories would not be possible,” Haase concluded—adding that this commitment, too, is crucial for top performance.

Special moments throughout the evening were provided by “Special Olympics” ambassadors Johanna Stenner and Fabian Warsinsky, who, in an interview, gave an impressive account of their experiences and athletic achievements during the 2025 Special Olympics State Games in Mainz.

The show groups and dance couples from the Tanz-Club Rot-Weiß Casino Mainz e.V. also provided excellent entertainment, delighting the audience with their performance.

The event was supported by Rheinhessen Sparkasse and Volksbank Darmstadt Mainz, to whom the city extends its heartfelt thanks for their commitment to regional sports.