Lord Mayor Dieter Reiter honours rescuers in dire straits
The winner of the Wiesn Courage Prize, which was awarded as part of the WiesnGentleman* prevention project, has been chosen! Of all the entries, it was the impressive story of Joerg ‘JT’ K. that was chosen by the jury. Mayor Dieter Reiter presented the winner with the Wiesn-Courage-Glupperl and the Wiesn-Courage certificate today, Friday, at the Käfer Wiesn-Schänke. As the main prize, JT also received a Wiesn outfit from Angermaier X Distorted People.
The Wiesn Courage Experience
Joerg ‘JT’ K. (48 years old) had an experience a few years ago that changed his life and that of another person forever.On his way home from the Oktoberfest, between the tents and the Schwanthalerhöhe underground station, he noticed a woman on the ground.Most people walked past her carelessly, probably thinking she was drunk and sleeping it off. But JT realised that something was wrong. Without hesitation, he went to her and realised that she had swallowed her tongue and couldn't breathe. He intervened immediately and resuscitated the woman.
The woman was saved - and since that day, the two have developed an unusual but special tradition: Every year, on the second Monday of the Oktoberfest, they go to the Wiesn together. It is their day together, a reminder of what happened back then - and that the situation had a happy ending thanks to their prudent actions.
Don't look away, but look
‘I'm just glad,’ said Joerg “JT” K., ’that the woman I was able to help is doing well and that we're still on friendly terms today.’ Lord Mayor Dieter Reiter emphasised: ‘Civil courage is always an important topic - not only in the tents, but throughout the festival grounds and beyond. We are honouring Joerg K. today because he
because he helped a woman who was in a life-threatening situation. Nobody should just walk past when someone is lying on the ground. Joerg K. stopped and possibly saved the woman's life. I would be delighted if more people would stand up for others like that and provide help!’ Lord Mayor Reiter emphasised that the Wiesn Courage Award is of great importance in bringing people closer to respect and civil courage.
Frederik Kronthaler, CEO of Condrobs, emphasised the importance of respect and civil courage: ‘Our WiesnGentleman* prevention project and the Wiesn Courage Award send out a clear signal: Responsibility and respect in our dealings with one another are the cornerstones of harmonious coexistence.Civil courage is shown in great deeds, such as the one our winner has accomplished, but also in other situations: intervening when someone is being harassed; helping when a child loses its parents; enquiring when a person seems disorientated.
Not looking away, but looking, behaving respectfully and contributing to a peaceful Wiesn - that is the aim of the WiesnGentleman* and the Wiesn Courage Award.’
Lucky Wiesn Courage Prize winner
JT was very grateful that his experience received the most votes from the jury. ‘I am delighted to receive this award,’ said the winner. ‘I see it as my duty to help someone in need. It's a real honour for me to be recognised for this by Mayor Dieter Reiter and Condrobs. I hope that this will motivate even more people to show civil courage.’
After a few photos and interviews, the winner of the Wiesn Courage Award enjoyed the traditional lunch at the Käfer Wiesn-Schänke, to which he was invited after the award ceremony.
What characterises a Wiesn Courage award winner?
Whether it's helping in tricky situations or standing up for decency and peaceful coexistence: showing respect and civil courage can be done in different ways. Anyone who remains cool in heated situations, respects personal boundaries and is willing to help others deserves this award. However, civil courage does not mean putting yourself in danger, but getting help. Condrobs presents the Oktoberfest Courage Award on behalf of many people who are committed to a peaceful Oktoberfest.
Prominent jury selects winner
This year's jury, consisting of WiesnGentleman* main ambassador Stefan Murr (actor), Johanna Bittenbinder (actress), Max von Thun (actor), Silja Steinberg (Wiesnwirtin of the Höfbräuzelt), Otto Lindinger (Wiesnwirt of Bodo's Cafézelt & Cocktailbar and speaker of the small Wiesn tents) and Clarissa Käfer (Feinkost Käfer) selected the winner of the Wiesn Courage Award 2024 from the experiences sent in.
All about the WiesnGentleman* prevention project and the Wiesn-Streetw
Condrobs is increasingly promoting respect and civil courage during the Oktoberfest. In addition to the Wiesn Courage Award, the WiesnGentleman* prevention project, which is under the patronage of the Lord Mayor, is designed to spread this message far and wide. Every day, Condrobs employees at Esperantoplatz sensitise Wiesn visitors to respect each other's boundaries and behave fairly and respectfully. More than 700,000 people have been reached with speeches at the WiesnGentleman* stand, advertising measures in underground stations, prevention campaigns at schools and youth centres, etc.
In addition, Condrobs street workers are out and about around the festival grounds at weekends and on public holiday evenings. In particular, they help young Oktoberfest visitors in difficulty between 8 pm and midnight with immediate measures: They locate friends, reassure them in difficult situations, discuss how to get home safely, call the police or emergency services if necessary or refer them to the ‘Sichere Wiesn’. The close cooperation with the ‘Sichere Wiesn’ project, the police, the emergency services and the youth protection service of the municipal youth welfare office enables immediate, fast and concrete prevention and help.
