Chair found at flea market

Created: 07/09/2022, 10:00 am

Leading the DJK: Uwe Bertram (front, left) is supported by (from 2nd from left) Esther Mäntele (youth leader Halle), Mirjam Brelewski (secretary), Markus Schuster (Managing Director DJK Sports Association Archdiocese of Munich and Freising);

(back, from left) Benjamin Hundhammer (2nd Chairman Real Estate and Administration), Sebastian Reiser (2nd Chairman Football), Franz Fuchs (Treasurer), Marco Raake (2nd Chairman Real Estate and Administration), Josef Janku (previously 2nd Chairman) , Mayor Nicole Schley and (not in the photo) Karin Göster (2nd Chairwoman Halle), Daniel Meine (Youth Leader Football) and Randy Bivec (2nd Youth Leader Football).

Goal: the number of members should increase significantly © Julia Adam

The members of the DJK Ottenhofen had to tremble for their club in the last few weeks (we reported).

Ottenhofen – But finally a new chairman was found: Uwe Bertram will be at the head of the sports club with immediate effect.

Because no volunteer could be found for the office of chairman of the association at the first annual general meeting, a lot of activity was required from the members.

But the effort was worth it.

One could be found in time for the second meeting: Uwe Bertram.

The 57-year-old business development manager has lived in Ottenhofen since 1997 and has been a member of the DJK for 24 years.

In recent years, however, only passively, as he explains in an interview with the local newspaper.

“I played volleyball and badminton myself.

I'm also the dad of footballers," he says.

In recent years, however, he has been very busy professionally.

The DJK now benefits from the fact that work stress has now been reduced.

At the garage flea market a few weeks ago, DJK trainer Brigitte Ertl sensed her chance.

"She got into conversation with me and said that a chairman was wanted," says Bertram.

Since he has lived in Ottenhofen for 25 years, but has never really been active in voluntary work, he ultimately decided to do so.

“I figured that now would be a good opportunity.

Because of Corona, professional changes and the possibility of working from home, it is now possible to manage it well.” Bertram is aware that the chairmanship will be a challenge for him.

"But I'm sure it's a doable challenge.

Especially since I have a very good management team made up of experienced seniors and youngsters who have practically always been in the club,” he emphasizes.

Good cooperation is required immediately after taking office, because not only the DJK summer party on July 16th has to be planned.

The construction of the stands for the footballers is also in full swing.

The aim is to complete the grandstand in the next quarter.

"The footballers are very committed to doing their own work," says Bertram.

Nevertheless, one is currently also dependent on the ongoing crowdfunding, which is why the new chairman cordially invites you to find out more about the campaign and to donate on the website www.djk-ottenhofen.de.

But the father of two has also set himself some personal goals.

“We currently have 900 members.

But Ottenhofen has many inhabitants.

There's still something to do," he says with conviction.

He wishes to significantly exceed the number of residents with the number of members of the association.

“Ottenhofen is a village.

You work together and stick together.

The DJK as an association is of course a size with which a place can cultivate cohesion," emphasizes Bertram.

He is convinced: "Every Ottenhofener should be in a club and if possible in this one, of course."

Nevertheless, one must see what is possible.

“Ottenhofen is just a village.

Of course, budgets are limited.

Nevertheless, we have to remain attractive and see whether our offers are the right ones,” Bertram thinks.

Although the club has a beautiful sports area and a great hall, both are quite busy.

“We have to see how we can accommodate further offers.

We don't just want to be a club for the very young and the elderly.

Middle age is what is currently missing.” Bertram himself would also like to get more actively involved in his club’s sports activities.

"I've always been involved in indoor sports a lot.

I'll look for something after the summer holidays," he promises.

BY JULIA ADAM