Minister Herbert Reul honored special sporting achievements by North Rhine-Westphalian police officers in Selm on Friday, 11 April 2025. The athletes achieved outstanding success in various disciplines at national and international championships last year. Herbert Reul presented the certificates to the 14 selected athletes at the NRW State Office for Police Training, Further Training and Personnel Matters (LAFP NRW). The police sportswoman, the police sportsman, the police team and the police sports club of the year 2024 were also honored. Whether soccer, hyrox, judo, canoeing, kickboxing, powerlifting, motocross, swimming, sport bowling, sport shooting, taekwondo or whitewater racing - the range of disciplines is just as diverse as the police profession.
Interior Minister Herbert Reul: "The police profession is not a job like any other. It needs people who are committed and put their neck on the line to keep our society safe. Commitment, determination and perseverance are not just qualities that distinguish police officers. These are qualities that are just as important for sport. To achieve your goals, to prevail against the competition and to perform excellently. Dedication combined with mental strength is just as important for the police service. Athletes are the figureheads of the North Rhine-Westphalia police force."
Daily police service places high demands on physical and mental resilience. Physical fitness is therefore a fundamental prerequisite for joining the police force. Maintaining this fitness in the long term is just as important. For this reason, sport is a top priority in the police service. Physical training promotes mental strength and the ability to work in a team. Both are essential for the job.
At the ceremony, Lothar Sandkühler, Deputy Head of the LAFP NRW, welcomed the guests as the host. Thomas Orlowski, Mayor of the town of Selm, also attended the event and left a message of greeting.