German Open Championships
Traditional Reception At The Beginning Of The GOC In The Meetingpoint
  • 12.08.2015
  • Ilka Scheible

Wilfried Scheible, CEO of the GOC, welcomed well-known guests at the traditional reception on Tuesday evening in the Liederhalle.

CEO Wilfried Scheible welcomed prominence of politics and sports. First Mayor of the city of Stuttgart, Michael Föll, was present as well as vice-president of WDSF, Michael Eichert, and the president of Tanzsport Deutschland, Heidi Estler. Among the guest were also district leaders, town councils, and former town councils of the city of Stuttgart. Its CEO Michael Bofinger represented the Sportregion Stuttgart. Scheible greeted Gunter Fahrion as a representative of the WLSB. At last, he was pleased about the presence of the representatives of the Maritim Hotel Stuttgart and the KKL, who both are very reliable partners. 


„The GOC are in Stuttgart for the 12th time. They take place for the 29th time altogether”, Scheible started his welcoming speech. He referred to the importance of the GOC as a dance sport event and the granting of the GOC to Stuttgart until 2024 through the committees of Tanzsport Deutschland. “This shows clearly the importance of Stuttgart for dance sport”, he emphasized. Indeed less couples are coming to the state capital this year, but through this there is a little more scope between the rounds. There is a clear increase in Asian couples, which are participating.


First Mayor Michael Föll welcomed the guests on behalf of the state capital. “Dancing is an inherent part of Stuttgart”, he stressed. This starts with the Ballet of Stuttgart and goes beyond the dance company to the GOC. “Actually it can’t get better, but the announcements promise an exciting week”, he looked forward to the coming five days. He sees the granting until 2024 as a clear statement in favor of Stuttgart, he said and thanked all responsible persons for the decision. He emphasized that there are explicit signs for the support in the future and that “the town council will unanimously bring the grant into the biennial household, to see the treasurer contrite”, he added with a wink. With the reconstruction of Hegel- and Schillersaal several deficiencies shall be fixed, but everything will be done to impair the GOC as little as possible. Another important aspect of the GOC is that there is not only place for top sport. From kids to seniors, from amateurs to professionals, everyone is represented in Stuttgart. He was especially pleased about the fact that inclusion, in form of wheelchair competitions, has a fixed place at the GOC. “This is a fantastic sign for society that they are a part of it and are being included”, he focused. He wished the guests five fantastic days in Stuttgart and thanked all of the volunteers. Föll praised the familial character of the GOC. “The GOC aren’t only the largest dancing competition in Europe, but also the most beautiful”, he concluded his speech.


“As I’m from Freiberg, I have a home match here”, Michael Eichert, vice-president of WDSF, said. He delivered the best wishes of WDSF president Carlos Freitag, who can’t be in Stuttgart for health reasons. He emphasized the fact that the GOC has a big significance in the calendar of the WDSF. It is an important event for the international association. This is also shown by the two GrandSlam competitions, the two Super Grand Prix competitions of the Professional Division, as well as the competitions from Juvenile to Senior. Three world championships in Boogie Woogie will be held in Stuttgart. “Stuttgart is very popular with the Boogie-Woogie-couples. They love the ambience of the Liederhalle”, he continued. The wheelchair competitions are a novelty this year.He thanked the organizers, especially the members of the steering committee, the numerous team managers, and almost 500 volunteers, “ without them the GOC wouldn’t be possible”. His thank also included the city of Stuttgart’s and the town councils’ trust and financial support. Without it the GOC wouldn’t be realizable. 


Heidi Estler greeted the audience on behalf of Tanzsport Deutschland. She was pleased that the program of the GOC has established itself for a long time. Further, congresses and exhibition have a firm place at the GOC. Next to the dancing, the GOC offer a perfect possibility to meet and lead conversations. Therefore the cooperation between the German wheelchair dancing association and Tanzsport Deutschland has started to bear fruits. Wheelchair competitions are a visible evidence of it. She thanked everyone for the support of the GOC: “The GOC are what they are.”


“Dancing needs athletes as well as officials”, she continued. One has shown particular merit. He’s been in action for 40 years. First in club, then in association, and later on national and international level. The visibly surprised and touched Michael Eichert was awarded the DTV-badge of honor in gold for his merit, his success, his advice, and his love for the sport.  

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