"It's nice that things are going so well"
Daniela Klein from the Office for Sport and Exercise, who was one of the invited guests of honor representing the Lord Mayor Dr. Frank Nopper, who was on vacation, described the 35th German Open Championships as a highlight and a sporting tradition of which Stuttgart is proud. "Everywhere we see great dressed people, not only here in the Culture and Congress Center Liederhalle, but also in the city. And everyone knows: It's the German Open Championships again!"
She paid full respect to the athletes for their training diligence, stamina and great performances. She also expressed her happiness about the international audience, which is enthusiastic about dance sports and every year again provides a unique atmosphere in all halls. Finally, she thanked the participants for the great organization and wished everyone a lot of fun, good conversations and great results during the upcoming Dance Sport Week.
Nenad Jeftic, WDSF Vice President for Sports, expressed his gratitude to be back in Stuttgart. "The almost 2,000 participating couples from 55 nations make Stuttgart a dance sport center of the world and the atmosphere here speaks for itself," he stated. He also thanked the organizers and gave the good advice to all present: "Enjoy it".
DTV President Dr. Tim Rausche opened his speech by welcoming DTV Honorary President Heidi Estler and DPV President Evelyn Hädrich-Hörmann. He continued by saying, "It is not a matter of course to be standing here today. Last year, everyone looked back very sadly after the event. It was uncertain at that time whether the GOC would be able to continue. The many-sided support from the city, state and federal government, the increase in contributions from the shareholders and the acquisition of the Schwarz-Weiß-Club Pforzheim as a further shareholder provided the basis for holding the 35th German Open Championships," he said, summing up the efforts made in recent months to keep the event going.
"The GOC is alive! That is very important to me!" With these words and a heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers from the many clubs, he ended his greeting. (Gabriele Michel-Schuck)
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