European Company Sport Games: Four champions for ERGO

Around 7,500 athletes from 36 countries took part in the 24th European Company Sport Games (ECSG) in Bordeaux. Twenty-five ERGO sports members from Düsseldorf and Hamburg were also there, and enjoyed great success.

“This is like the Olympics for company athletes”, said Gerald Friedrichs from Hamburg, who competed in the orienteering event. “In Bordeaux there were events in 33 different disciplines, an opening and closing ceremony and of course medals for the top three in each event.” More important than winning though was the opportunity to meet so many competitors from different companies across Europe and to take part in a celebration of sport. “Anyone who experienced this will never forget it.”

Jerseys remind commentator of fine red wine

ERGO competitors took part in athletics, swimming, badminton, pétanque and even bridge. “Obviously, our team wore 'ERGO red' sports shirts, which reminded the athletics stadium commentator of the fine red wine he would be drinking that evening”, explained Karen Schmidt.

The most successful ERGO athlete in Bordeaux was the Hamburg sprinter Katja Baumann, who won gold in both the 200 and 400 metre races on the Tartan Track. She also surprisingly bagged bronze in the 5km city run through the botanical gardens and alongside the Garonne river. In total, the ERGO team brought home four gold, five silver and four bronze medals – an excellent haul.

More medals to come in Catania 2024?

The medals won in Bordeaux will now go on display at ERGO sports in Hamburg. ERGO sports organises sporting activities across the whole group. Gerald Friedrichs: “Who knows, we might win more medals next year when we travel to the World Company Sport Games in Catania, Sicily.