Fotos: SV 98 24.09.2025 / English
An evening of community celebration
“What makes this club special?” It was a big, meaningful question that Hans Kessler posed at this year’s SV Darmstadt 98 honourary evening. The honourary president’s answer couldn’t have been clearer in this circle. It was the fans, members and the community in the city. It was “the values that have connected so many people over the years. That we do something together, experience something together.” Seen in this light, this evening (September 23rd) and the company in the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor couldn’t have been more appropriate. Over 150 people who hold the Lily loyal to their hearts had gathered in the ENTEGA VIP lounge at the invitation of SV 98. Volunteers and those who volunteer to help who loyally support the club. And members who have been registered with the club for decades.
On behalf of the entire club, Roy Reinelt-Peter, head of the fan and support department, thanked those who are involved at SV 98: „Thank you for being there. Thank you for not hesitating for a second every time we ask for support and for giving us your time and energy around SV Darmstadt 98 games.“ A total of over 150 volunteers work for the Lilies in 41 teams, and the number is growing. Reinelt-Peter: „Volunteering is a driving force at SV Darmstadt 98.“
After an extensive catering break, the focus shifted to the members being honoured. Club President Rüdiger Fritsch recognised a total of 30 loyal Lilies for their 25th, 40th, 50th, 60th, 70th, and 75th years of membership. He was supported in the awards ceremony by Lilien professionals Fabian Holland, Fraser Hornby and Hiroki Akiyama, who presented certificates and badges of honour to the club members.
Fritsch also took the opportunity to thank those present for their support during his presidency, which, as is well known, ends on October 21. Fritsch said: „I believe that we, as the Lilien family, have had a wonderful time together at SV Darmstadt 98. I thank you for the support, trust, and respect I have received from you.“ Volunteers and members paid their respects to the 64-year-old with sustained applause. This example also demonstrated that it was a mutual evening of honour.
SV 98 would like to thank everyone who has been loyal to SV 98 in many different ways for many years and decades!