Executive board members from The Foundation for Global Sports Development recently traveled to Munich, Germany to see the progress of the Munich Memorial Project and to continue filming for “Munich ’72 and Beyond.”
THE MUNICH MEMORIAL PROJECT
This Munich Memorial Project, designed to honor and remember the 11 Israelis and German police officer killed during the terrorist attack at the 1972 Summer Olympic Games in Munich, brings even more healing and reconciliation than previous attempts to memorialize the victims. Commissioned by German States Ministry for Education, Science and Culture, this project has been officially recognized and supported by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Under the leadership of President, Dr. Thomas Bach, the IOC committed a pledge of $250,000 towards the construction of the memorial.
Such a generous gesture is monumental, because for decades the family members of the victims have struggled to have the memory of their loved ones officially recognized by the IOC, either through a moment of silence during the Olympic Games or other means.
MUNICH ’72 AND BEYOND
The Foundation for Global Sports Development, inspired by the project itself and the IOC’s financial commitment, has matched the IOC’s pledge to fund the memorial’s construction. Recognizing the potential this project has to unite the various groups affected by the tragedy, GSD’s board members have decided to capture this moment in history with a documentary. The film, “Munich ’72 and Beyond,” shares the experiences and insights of the victims’ family members, Olympic and government officials, and other parties involved in the creation of this memorial.
With this documentary GSD hopes to educate future generations about the terrorist attack and its lasting effects on family members, the culture of sport, and the Olympic spirit. The film, with a release date in late fall of 2015, will also examine the progress of the new Munich Memorial Project and what the memorial means to each of the groups involved.
MINI-DOCUMENTARY
During the recent site visit to Germany, Kat Ulich, a youth volunteer for GSD, created a mini-documentary of her own. With clips from all around Munich and the Olympic Village, this video brings to life the view of a younger generation who will only know of this tragedy in a historical context. We are excited to share Kat’s video with you!
