A few weeks ago I received the good news that the article I published here about the German championship for blind footballers from FC St. Pauli was nominated for the German Paralympic Media Award 2018 in the category “Online/Social Media”. This journalism award was presented for the 18th time this year in 5 4 categories (radio had too few entries and was therefore not taken into account) were awarded by the German Statutory Accident Insurance. “With this award, the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) recognizes outstanding reporting on recreational, rehabilitation and competitive sports for people with disabilities.” (Quote DGUV)
I was very happy about this nomination. The awards ceremony was in Berlin yesterday. When I saw the other two nominations, it was immediately clear to me that I had no chance of winning the prize. Nevertheless, of course I wanted to be there at this event because I couldn't be there at the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) awards ceremony in 2016. At that time, I developed posters against violence against women with the Harbor Girls and the women's emergency hotline achieved second prize. In addition, being nominated for such an award is a great honor, in my opinion.
The day of the German Paralympic Media Award 2018
The awards ceremony took place in a dignified setting. There were around 4 entries for the four categories. It is really great for me to be among the 100 nominees. A report about blind football won the award in the “Print” category. In “my” “Online/Social Media” category, a report from ZDF won. Completely deserved and congratulations! Such reports, which are produced over many weeks and sometimes months, are naturally more in-depth than mine, which was produced in one day. In the TV category, for example, a report about a blind mountaineer won, which is well worth watching. This TV piece from NDR took four years to produce and included the ascent of Mount Everest.
However, it also became clear at the awards ceremony that almost only public television is capable of such in-depth reporting - and of course they also have to save money and journalists have to fight for their favorite projects. This was particularly clear with the winner in the "Photo" category. The photographer of the really great picture has another job that has nothing to do with photography. Sports photography is difficult to manage financially in a journalistic context because the demands on the equipment are particularly high. However, the income from prints has not improved due to the lack of an increase in image prices in at least the last 10 years.
On stage…
Since the nominees were given a certificate, I was also allowed on stage. A nice gesture, in my opinion. I also had fun when I received my certificate from 22-time Paralympic medal winner Gerd Schönfelder. I was probably the first to capture this handover myself photographically. Below are a few pictures from the day.
A little bon mot on the side: the winners in the "Online/Social Media" category could not be linked to by the DGUV in the official announcement on Facebook because they are not active there. Of course, no one has to be on Facebook, it just shows the focus of the German Paralympic Media Award. I would say that the award needs to be renewed, otherwise it will be difficult to find other winners in 10 years. Perhaps the people in charge can also take podcasts into account next time in the radio category, for example.
And what else was the day like in Berlin…
After the award ceremony for the German Paralympics Media Award 2018, I went to the Kennedy House in Berlin with my loved one, who thankfully accompanied me. The final days of the Peter Souza exhibition about Barack Obama's time in office have begun there. If you haven't seen it yet, it's worth it. An incredibly moving piece of contemporary history. Also available as a book (for example at Amazon [affiliate link]) ...
At the end of the day there was coffee and cake at The Barn. I wouldn't mind many more days like this in my life...
My dear Stefan. You have received a huge honor, which is completely deserved. For me, all of your activities around FC Sankt Pauli and your social commitment belong in the photojournalism hall of fame. I remember your moving pictures from Viva con Aqua. You document the club's activities all over the world. You are traveling for us in the deepest jungle, in the highest mountains and in the hottest desert regions. You then report in an extremely exciting way about what you did and where. I am full of pride and honor to know you. On and on Stefan
Hi Stefan,
thank you for this nice post! We were also very happy about your submission and that you were there 🙂 It's also great that you enjoyed your stay in Berlin. I'd love to come by again!
Best regards,
Rebecca (from DGUV)