The Foundation for Global Sports Development Pledges $250 Thousand to the Munich Olympic Memorial Project
Los Angeles, CA — The Foundation for Global Sports Development (GSD) has pledged $250,000 in support of a planned memorial to honor the memory of the 11 Israeli Olympians and German police slain by terrorists during the 1972 Munich Olympic Games.
GSD’s gift will match the financial contribution of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). GSD wishes to support the Munich Memorial Project while also acknowledging the generosity of the IOC and its president, Dr. Thomas Bach.
The Memorial Project was initiated by the German States Ministry for Education, Science and Culture, in tribute to the fallen Israeli Olympic Team. The memorial will be strategically placed between the Olympic Village and Olympic Stadium in Munich, with a significant focus given to the biographies of each victim. Additionally, the memorial will visualize and promote a deeper understanding of the events that transpired on September 5th and 6th of 1972.
GSD’s commitment to the project is vast and spans beyond their monetary promise. GSD Executive Board members Dr. Steven Ungerleider and David Ulich traveled to Munich, Germany to participate in the architectural competition and meet with representatives of the Bavarian and Israeli governments. During these meetings, Ungerleider and Ulich interacted with architects, diplomats, and key players that have been deeply involved in this endeavor. Both members will take part in a press conference to publicly announce the winning design on September 23rd at the Jewish Museum in Munich. The winning design will be presented by Dr. Ludwig Spaenle, the Bavarian State Minister of Education and Cultural Affairs.
“As someone who has been in and around the Olympic family for over 35 years and attended 12 Olympiads, it is clearly time for us to heal the deep wounds of the past,” said GSD executive board member, Dr. Steven Ungerleider. “After seeing and hearing the diligent work of the members of the Memorial Committee, I am convinced that this project will be a significant contribution to the understanding and education of the tragic events of the 1972 Games.” This project will give great honor to those who suffered painful loss during this tragedy—and at the same time remind us that we –in the Olympic family—are here to protect and respect each other. The design concepts that we have seen this week reflect a new understanding between the past, present and future.”
“Given our years of close work in the Olympic Community, and our support for concepts of mutual understanding and respect, the Munich Memorial is a project we are very proud to support” added David Ulich, executive board member of GSD. “We feel that this is not only a special memorial for the Israeli delegation, but an important step toward healing among the over 200 nations comprising the Olympic family.”
For more information, please visit GSD’s website at www.globalsportsdevelopment.org.
About Global Sports Development
Working closely with international sports federations, generous donors and committed athletes, The Foundation for Global Sports Development promotes sportsmanship, education, fair play and ethics among the world’s youth. The Foundation gives special emphasis to groups and communities that are most in need or most underserved by current programs, including women, minorities and youth in areas where the risk of delinquency is particularly high. Visit www.globalsportsdevelopment.org to learn more.
About the Bavarian State Ministry for Education and Culture, Science and Art
The Bavarian State Ministry of Education and Culture, Science and Art, shortly Bavarian Ministry of Culture (KM) is a ministry of the state of Bavaria based in Munich. Since 2008, the Minister of state has been Ludwig Spaenle. The responsibility of the Ministry is split between the departments of education, cultural affairs, science, and art. For further information please visit www.km.bayern.de.
