March 22-24 2019
Participants: 503
Sports: Badminton, Football, Shooting, Swimming, Squash, Queer Tango, Volleyball, Fitness, Nordic Walking
Medals: 228
The LGBTIQ sports world visits Abseitz in Stuttgart
From March 22nd to 24th, 2019, nearly 500 participants from Germany and other European countries came to Stuttgart for the WildWildSouth 2019 tournament, the #WWS19. The goal was to compete against each other in nine sporting events or simply play sports together and spend a wonderful weekend in Stuttgart. Activities offered included volleyball, soccer, badminton, squash, an 8-hour swim, shooting, a fitness day, Argentine tango workshops, and a traditional city tour.
Accreditation began on Friday, March 22, 2019. At Krempels Bistro in the Paulinenpark nursing home in Stuttgart Mitte, participants could register for the sporting events, pick up passes for the party and brunch, and, of course, meet other sports enthusiasts over a glass of sparkling wine and a snack. The event didn't last long, as the sporting events started early the next morning. Most events started at 8:00 a.m. or shortly thereafter on Saturday, March 23, 2019.
The same was true for soccer. Everyone pitched in to offer the participants a great tournament. The teams from near and far found excellent sporting conditions in the gymnasium of the Schickardtschule in Stuttgart-Heslach. A specially hired external referee ensured a fair and equitable competition, with the Mannheim Quadrate Kickers emerging as the winners. As the only department with its own mascot, the football department also scored very well in the B grade.
Meanwhile, the squash tournament was taking place at Stuttgart's Vitadrom. Participants had traveled from all over Europe, especially Spain, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. A delegation of almost 10 people from Paris came from France. Due to the new record number of participants, the tournament ran from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The atmosphere was exuberant, but the spirit of competition was still alive. There was a lot of running, sweating, shouting, and encouragement, and of course, plenty of laughter and chatting. At least four matches had to be played in each match. And, of course, more if someone was successful. The Czech Republic took home the gold medal in Category A. Abseitz did well in Category C, even reaching the final.
At the same time, more than 110 participants from Belgium, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland competed in badminton at the Esslingen Badminton Hall. This year, an unprecedented number of participants from England participated: 25 people from London, Manchester, and Nottingham. While the WWS squash tournament was French, badminton at the WWS this year was English. Nevertheless, the vast majority of participants came from Germany, and with 16 badminton players, the FVV Frankfurt was the best-represented badminton club at #WWS19. The FFV was also the most successful team, taking home the "Stuttgarter Rössle" (Stuttgart Horse).
The swimming department's 8-hour swim was held entirely without balls or rackets of any kind. Although the Plieningen indoor swimming pool is somewhat hidden on the southern outskirts of Stuttgart, with its friendly atmosphere and large windows overlooking the outdoors, it's a perfect place for an 8-hour swim.
The beautiful, spring-like weather on the weekend of the WildWildSouth tournament allowed the 35 swimmers to spend their breaks on the benches in front of the pool. This provided a chance to get some fresh air after ploughing through miles of water, distinguishable only by their white, yellow, pink, orange, or green numbered swim caps. Some participants were rarely seen outside the pool, as they used the eight hours intensively to swim. At the end of the tournament, the distances were evaluated, and one thing quickly became clear: the previous women's record from 2017 was broken by all three of this year's winners. The most successful of them was there with almost 20 kilometers. But the men also shone. The winner from Nuremberg swam to first place with 22 kilometers. In total, all participants covered around 400 kilometers in the tournament.
After a break of several years, #WWS19 once again offered a fitness day. Five fitness classes in a row, followed by three hours of yoga with two different trainers, gave participants the opportunity to try out different sports and push their own limits. The focus here was not on competition. Rather, the idea was to practice various disciplines and test themselves or get to know the respective sport. Organized by the step aerobics department, the fitness day took place in the Flatow Hall in Stuttgart-Hedelfingen. Around 25 participants started the day with a sweaty round of BodyArt. It continued with step aerobics, spinal gymnastics, BodyFit, and Aroha. Those who wanted could take a break in between, but many persevered for most of the time. In the afternoon, there was a change in sports. From the fitness classes, which were more focused on endurance and maximum performance, the fitness day now switched to yoga. This is just as strenuous and sweaty. However, proper breathing techniques and meditation are not neglected.
An equally integral part of the WildWildSouth program is the city tour through Stuttgart's city center. At #WWS19, 15 people registered for the informative and exciting tour, which was rounded off with a communal meal afterward.
And, of course, the volleyball and shooting competitions, which also met with great enthusiasm and interest, shouldn't be forgotten.
After the actual sporting events, which all concluded by 7 p.m. at the latest, participants had the opportunity to rest, refuel, and then get ready for the WWS party at Stuttgart's King's Club. The club, one of the oldest of its kind in Germany at over 40 years old, was also the backdrop for the final competition of #WWS19: the drag contest hosted by Rosa Opossum. Five drag queens and kings competed in handbag throwing, champagne glass balancing, and lip sync. The winner here went to the inspiring performance of a drag king from Paris. However, the decision was close! Afterwards, the party continued until the early hours.
The next morning, Sunday, March 24, 2019, #WWS19 rounded off with brunch at Schönbuchs Brauhaus in downtown Stuttgart. Those who had recovered after the competition and partying met up with the other participants and fortified themselves before the return journey.
Overall, #WWS19 was a complete success. There was a lot of positive feedback, and everyone had a great time. Thanks, of course, to all the hard-working organizers and helpers. Abseitz e.V. is already looking forward to the next WWS in March 2021. So, mark your calendars or follow us on Facebook. We'll stay in touch!