On Sunday, following a two-year break due to the pandemic, FC Bayern will at long last be able to celebrate the championship with the fans on Marienplatz again. The proceedings get underway at 12.30 CEST. Ahead of the gathering on the Town Hall balcony, FCB president Herbert Hainer and Munich's Lord Mayor Dieter Reiter discussed the joint initiatives of the club and the city to help Ukraine and their commitment to combating racism.
Herr Hainer, as part of its aid for people from Ukraine, FC Bayern is, in addition to donations, among other things, planning with the city of Munich to promote a housing project for vulnerable refugees such as people with disabilities, and there is also the free sports programme "We move together" on the FC Bayern Campus. What are the goals?
Herbert Hainer: "For us at FC Bayern, it's about sustainable aid. This terrible war and its consequences will occupy German society for a long time to come, and as important as fast, immediate support is for the millions of people in need, it's just as crucial to make a sustainable impact. Our joint housing project, for example, will initially run for two years. In this way, we want to help people who are suffering particularly badly."
Lord Mayor Reiter, why is it important for a club like FC Bayern to be socially committed?
Lord Mayor Dieter Reiter: "Internationally renowned clubs such as FC Bayern have a great role model function and of course, above all, outstanding professional sportsmen and women. Children and young people like to identify with their stars, and when they get involved, for example, with refugees or against racism, this really hits home and makes many people think."
For us at FC Bayern, it's about aid that is sustainable.
Herbert Hainer
How important is it for FC Bayern and the city of Munich to play a one-two and link up in joint projects?
Herbert Hainer: "We're very happy about our overall very good relationship with the city of Munich. For example, in the past few weeks, in addition to the jointly planned housing project, we've implemented some ideas such as a video clip with all of Munich's professional clubs as part of our 'Reds Against Racism' initiative. We see ourselves as a living part of the city's culture and want to get involved to raise awareness for important issues."
Lord Mayor Dieter Reiter: "A well-played one-two is a win-win for everyone involved. The support of Munich residents is always particularly outstanding, especially in times of crisis. There are so many who are volunteering to help refugees from Ukraine at the moment. When clubs and companies like FC Bayern get involved, it shows how broad this social cohesion is. I always find that tremendous."
Are these prime examples of how sport has a unifying effect?
Lord Mayor Dieter Reiter: "Absolutely! Sport and especially its popular and much admired athletes are great role models and certainly help to at least question and, in the best case, change mindsets and prejudices. I'm sure we'll continue to play well together in the future!"
Herbert Hainer: "FC Bayern knows where its roots lie and sees itself as an open-minded, tolerant club. Currently, many people who had to flee from the war in Ukraine are arriving in Germany and our city. It's our task as a society to support them as best we can. We at FC Bayern are aware of our function as role models, accept it and always try to live up to it. And in general, we emphasise again and again: this war must stop. FC Bayern stands for the desire for peace - that applies to conflicts all over the world."
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