Baden-Württemberg Celebrates Exceptional Children’s Gymnastics Instructors with 2025 Awards
The dedication of volunteer gymnastics instructors in Baden-Württemberg was recognized on Volunteer Day, December 5, 2025, as the Baden and Swabian Gymnastics Associations, with support from the Baden-Württemberg Children’s Gymnastics Foundation, announced the winners of the “Children’s Gymnastics Trainer Award of the Year 2025.” The awards highlight the critical role these individuals play in fostering a love of exercise and sports among children.
Recognizing Unsung Heroes in Youth Sports
A total of 136 committed individuals from the Baden Gymnastics Bund (BTB) and the Swabian Gymnastics Association (STB) were initially nominated for the prestigious award, which acknowledges outstanding voluntary work and commitment to children’s gymnastics. Of those nominated, 63 instructors completed a comprehensive questionnaire to remain in contention. This high level of participation underscores the vibrant and valuable work being done within the more than 3,000 member clubs across the STB and BTB regions.
“The prize is so important because it simply says thank you,” stated Pia Städele, Chairwoman of the STB Youth, emphasizing the significance of acknowledging the tireless efforts of these coaches.
2025 Award Recipients
This year’s awards were presented in three categories:
- Newcomer Category: Jana Balaton (TV Burgberg)
- All-Rounder Category: Jasmin Schwock (TuS 03 Böhringen)
- Jury Prize: Lara Riegger (TSV Walpertshofen)
Each winner received a prize of 500 euros and a trophy, with support also provided by AOK Baden-Württemberg. The awards were presented in a particularly personal setting – directly within the winners’ respective children’s gymnastics classes, capturing a special moment witnessed by the time.news team.
Addressing Childhood Inactivity Through Grassroots Support
The awards ceremony served as a platform to emphasize the growing importance of children’s gymnastics in combating rising rates of physical inactivity among young people. According to a senior official from the Baden-Württemberg Children’s Gymnastics Foundation, “The Children’s Gymnastics Foundation Baden-Württemberg is committed to ensuring that more exercise takes place in children’s everyday lives. And in order for this to happen, it definitely needs exercise offers that take place on site.”
The foundation recognizes the crucial role of local clubs and instructors in providing accessible opportunities for children to engage in physical activity. The Swabian Gymnastics Association (STB), with over 750,000 registered members, is the largest sports association in Baden-Württemberg, offering a wide range of programs from children’s gymnastics to competitive sports within its approximately 1,800 non-profit clubs. The STB actively advocates for optimal conditions and support for its volunteer workforce.
The Power of Volunteers
Without the dedication of these volunteers, the holistic athletic development of countless children would be significantly hampered. Through continuous training and knowledge sharing, these instructors consistently introduce innovative approaches to children’s gymnastics, fostering a sustainable passion for movement. The 2025 award ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the indispensable nature of volunteer work in children’s gymnastics and the profound impact these instructors have on the lives of young athletes throughout the region.
Click here for the video showcasing the award presentations.
Contact:
Hannes Haßpacher
Head of Media and Public Relations
Swabian Gymnastics Association eV
Fritz-Walter-Weg 19
70372 Stuttgart
Tel.: 0711 490 92-152
www.stb.de
