The ultimate volunteer: a passion for BVB, sports and helping others

"I'm in early un-retirement here." If you're looking for some inspiration, google Conny Dietz: She played goalball, a team sport for blind and partially sighted athletes, at six Paralympic Games, was the flag bearer at the opening ceremony of the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, was a gold medallist at the 1996 Paralympic Games in Atlanta, is a former world and European champion... a seemingly never-ending list of achievements. "I've been a BVB member and season ticket holder for nearly 25 years. In July 2018, I joined the BVB Learning Centre. I'm in early retirement because my vision is significantly impaired, but that doesn't mean I still can't volunteer my time." That's how Conny introduces herself. Simply impressive.

Conny has always loved and been involved in sports. And the fun of trying new things. "At BVB, I can make a difference with so many people. Networking is important to me." The BVB Learning Centre, an educational initiative for young people run by Fan-Projekt Dortmund e.V., Lernort Stadion e.V. and BVB, hosts thousands of events a year under the stadium's legendary yellow wall. In 2004, Dortmund opened the first learning centre at a stadium. Now, 23 clubs in the first and second Bundesliga divisions have a learning centre at their stadium. "Things are starting to return back to normal as the pandemic begins to ebb. We're all fired up to once again teach pupils and other groups about moral courage, fighting discrimination, democratic values and the dark side of social media." No easy task! "The contributions sports clubs make in this regard are enormous. BVB is our bedrock, and so much more."

But that's not the only reason why Conny loves Borussia Dortmund so much. Another is the club's partnership with Zweitzeugen e.V., a Dortmund- and Borussia Mönchengladbach-based initiative that promotes a culture of remembrance and fights anti-Semitism. Yet another are the "Blind Date" and "Sonnenkönige" fan clubs that champion the inclusion of people with disabilities. "Since 2005, BVB has provided audio-descriptive commentary tailored to our needs at every home match." The Department for Fan Affairs' "Uns verbindet Borussia" working group is also very close to her heart. Although she no longer plays goalball internationally, Conny still participates in team sports for blind and partially sighted athletes, joining BVB's torball team in 2017. Since then, she has helped the team clinch two championships and one second-place finish. Her latest project is walking football: "I love sports and that's something I definitely want to try!" Lucky for BVB, it doesn't stop...