For four years, Soenke Schadwinkel was the tireless driver of the development of our still young community as CEO. He made a significant contribution to its strategic orientation and organised congresses and seminars. Schadwinkel created and maintained a dense network of communication with our members, IOC, EOC, IOA and other partners, thus giving the EOA a high level of awareness at the European level. The Deep Dive newsletter series he introduced as well as three Annual Reports are impressive reflections of his extensive activities, which will now come to a break.
“After more than four years at the EOA, I have grown very fond of the members and activities. Nevertheless, now that I have successfully completed my university degree, I have decided to take the opportunity and see more of the world,” said the passionate sailor.
In addition, Katrin Wallmann, EOA Project Manager, is also embarking on a new path after finishing her Master degree as well. She leaves the President’s office in Cologne to work for the Institute of Sport Science, an authority under the German Federal Ministry of Interior.
“The departures of Soenke and Katrin are a great loss for the EOA, which will be difficult to make up for. However, we support both of them in their decisions and wish them good luck and success on their journeys and new professional challenges,” said EOA President Manfred Laemmer.
Filling their shoes will be the task of Bastian Grueger. The native-German has an educational profile in sports management and sports politics and brings experience from the cycling industry and the sport for good sector. He has already commenced his work and as his first task, he will take a leading role in the organisation of the EOA Congress in Olympia. In his day-to-day work, he will be supported by Soenke Schadwinkel, who will continue to serve the EOA as an advisor.
