On November 24 and 25, 2024, the membership of the German University Sports Federation (ADH) convened in Goettingen for its 119th General Assembly to review the past year, make forward-looking decisions, and hold regular board and committee elections.

The General Assembly welcomed 150 delegates and guests, emphasizing the importance of the General Assembly as a platform to unite the diverse forces of the 206 ADH member universities and develop forward-looking strategies and innovative solutions for university sports in Germany.

In the opening remarks of the General Assembly, the importance of university sports as a bridge between academia, society and sports, as well as pointing out the achievements of ADH in the university sports world in the German higher education system, were given a special spotlight by the speakers.

ADH President Joerg Foerster highlighted the federation’s achievements and challenges of the past year in his speech to the General Assembly. ADH implemented forward-looking projects, including the development of the Strategy 2030, which defines central action areas for the growth of university sports. A significant highlight is the upcoming Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games, which will not only bring international top-level sports to Germany but also strengthen research, teaching, and the perception of university sports.

Additionally, advancements in inclusion and sustainability have contributed to a visible transformation in university sports.

The ADH General Assembly included scheduled elections for board and committee positions for the 2024 – 2026 term. Delegates unanimously re-elected Joerg Foerster, director of University Sports in Hamburg, as ADH President, beginning his fifth term in this role. Annette Kunzendorf (TU Darmstadt) and Dr. Melanie Haag (University of Stuttgart) were elected as a tandem for the finance portfolio. Dirk Kilian (Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences) will complement the board as another full-time member. Student board members Svea Thamsen (University of Potsdam) and Dustin Rehder (University of Göttingen) continue their second term, joined by newly elected student member Janina Wey (University of Bayreuth). Jens-Olaf Ramke (University of Oldenburg) and ADH General Secretary Benjamin Schenk serve as non-voting board members.

The board expressed gratitude to outgoing committee members for their dedication and welcomed new members, inviting them to work collaboratively and adaptively for the future.

During the ADH General Assembly the federation presented various awards.

The ADH named the Free University of Berlin as the University of the Year 2024 in recognition of its outstanding commitment to university sports across competition, health promotion, and education.

Miranda Wilson (IU International University) and Tim Wollenberg (DHGS Ismaning) were honored as Athletes of the Year for their exceptional achievements.

The Sustainability Award, supported by Sport-Thieme and Vaude, was presented to RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau and the University of Lüneburg for their innovative projects in sustainable university sports.

Martina Rost and Professor Lothar Boesing were named Honorary Members in recognition of their decades of service to university sports and ADH.

Joerg Foerster concluded the 119th ADH General Assembly after two eventful days: "Thank you to all the delegates — you have made the necessary decisions to prepare the association for upcoming challenges." He also expressed gratitude to ADH partners and sponsors for their support and to the University Sports Göttingen team for organizing the successful event, which provided numerous opportunities for collegial exchange alongside formal proceedings.

*Content and photos provided by ADH

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