The event began with ceremonial gun salutes to announce Herbert Hainer's visit to the entire neighbourhood. During the event, the FC Bayern president sang along to the fan anthem Immer vorwärts, FC Bayern and Stern des Südens. Together, they also celebrated FC Bayern Women's 3-1 victory against Wolfsburg. The anniversary celebration for 30 years of the Greding fan club at the Gredoniaheim was an all-round successful event.
“The fans are what FC Bayern is all about in the end. You are the backbone of our club. Without the fans in all regions, our success would not be possible,” said Hainer in front of 125 guests, including Mayor Josef Dintner and Deputy District Administrator Edeltraud Stadler. “I used to stand in the fan block as a young lad, and to this day, especially when a match kicks off, I am first and foremost a fan, then a president.”
“Bayern can rely on fans like you”
Hainer, who was welcomed by fan club chairman Christian Geyer alongside the Gredinger Bredlmusikanten gun saluters, explained on the sidelines of the event that it was generally extraordinary what fan clubs do to remain loyal to FC Bayern: “Thirty years together prove how deep this connection runs here. FC Bayern can rely on fans like you, and for that I am very grateful. Through thick and thin together, three decades of fan club membership mean that not only the greatest triumphs, but also the most difficult moments are experienced together. This loyalty and solidarity make FC Bayern something special.” The fan club was founded after a 5-3 victory for Bayern over VfB Stuttgart by a group of friends in a pub, and this spontaneous action grew into a large community.
For Hainer, such an anniversary also means “three generations, one passion. Whether young or old, love for Bayern connects people across all age groups and creates a sense of community.” Memories and the emotions they evoke show “that Bayern is much more than just football – it's part of the family.”
Signing up to support donations
As part of its special anniversary celebrations, the fan club also made a social contribution by initiating a German Bone Marrow Donor Centre (DKMS) typing campaign to support the fight against blood cancer. Ten registrations had been expected, but 30 were actually achieved – fitting for the anniversary and a complete success. After a good three hours and many selfies, Hainer said his goodbyes after signing the club’s golden book and honouring the founding members Stefan Meier, Bernhard Kraus, Reinhard Waldenau, Franz Ferschl, Daniel Geyer and chairman Christian Geyer. As a gift, the Bayern president left behind a jersey signed by the team, which was auctioned off for a good cause.
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