Stadtwerke Gießen (SWG) has been cooperating with the women's team Bender Baskets from Grünberg since 2008. SWG and the traditional club are extending their successful partnership for the next three years to coincide with the start of the Bundesliga 2 season.
Twelve years in the Second Bundesliga - the Bender Baskets, the first women's basketball team of TSV 1883 Grünberg, can look back on this with pride. Together with Stadtwerke Gießen (SWG), who have sponsored the club since its promotion back to the top flight in 2008 and recently extended their commitment. The team can count on three more years of active support from SWG as a premium partner.
Good news for the 17 players currently under coach Dejan Kostic. But the news did not really come as a surprise. "We simply enjoy working with the Bender Baskets. Together with the head of the basketball department Manuel Jung and Heike Menz and Otto Klockemann from marketing, we have built up a successful partnership that has grown continuously over the years," explains SWG company spokeswoman Ina Weller.
The Bender Baskets and SWG are extending their partnership just in time for the start of the season. "We can now look back on more than ten years of professional and harmonious cooperation," emphasises Stephanie Orlik, who is responsible for sponsorship at SWG. She adds: "We are delighted to continue to be a partner of this team."
Youth as the basis
The sporting success of the Bender Baskets is no coincidence. In fact, the club's management attaches great importance to the targeted promotion of young talent. This is also reflected in the titles: Three times German champion, four times German Cup winner, seven times Hessen Cup winner and five state championships speak for themselves. The exceptionally good youth work basically lays the foundation for the Bundesliga team. As the smallest professional club in the league, the club has no choice but to introduce players to the top team through the various age groups. TSV Grünberg is also characterised by another special feature: Although much of the focus here is on the first women's team and therefore on competitive sport, grassroots sport plays an important role. As a result, children and young people who are not quite as talented or do not want to or cannot invest too much time in training also find a place in a team.
Reliable partner in difficult times
In view of the current situation, stable partnerships such as the one between SWG and Bender Baskets are more important than ever. "Having such consistent support at our side makes our work much easier," says Manuel Jung, summarising the situation. In fact, competitive sport at this level would be inconceivable without sponsors. But SWG doesn't just help with financial support. SWG mascot Fabius also usually comes along to two home games in Grünberg. To cheer on players and spectators, perform one or two funny tricks and create a great atmosphere in the stands. The cuddly dragon's visits have had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus, but will be made up for as soon as spectators are allowed in the hall again. "We wish the Bender Baskets good luck for the current season and hope that they will soon be able to celebrate their successes with their fans again," emphasises Ina Weller.