The Mayor of Chemnitz, Sven Schulze, has presented the Chemnitz 2025 Volunteers with the city's "Ehrentaler" award for outstanding voluntary work. Christina Fischer-Ullrich, Antonia Melzer and Danny Kollwitz accepted the award on behalf of the approximately 1,300 volunteers at the mayor's New Year's reception. The Chemnitz Ehrentaler was awarded for the third time and also went to five individuals who are involved in the rescue service, inclusive sports promotion, youth work and civil society cohesion.
Lord Mayor Sven Schulze: "The Ehrentaler goes to people who are committed to our city and the people of Chemnitz with energy and passion and thus achieve far more than can be expected. They are the ones who hold Chemnitz together. They give our city a face, attitude and warmth. They are the foundation of a strong urban society."
The volunteers of the European Capital of Culture Chemnitz 2025 received this award because they made a special year possible through their voluntary work. Through their willingness, reliability and tireless commitment, they made a significant contribution to the smooth running and successful realisation of the events in 2025.
Mayor Sven Schulze welcomed around 300 guests from politics, business and society to his New Year's reception on 13 January 2026. In his speech, he recalled the significant Capital of Culture year 2025 for Chemnitz: "It was one big, shared moment. One that showed how much courage, creativity and cohesion there is in this city and in the region - if only we dare to make it visible. This 'We shape our city ourselves and don't wait for someone to tell us what to do' - that is perhaps the most valuable legacy of 2025." In the upcoming year, which will be a bridging year for Chemnitz, it is now important to secure what has been achieved and consolidate structures. The Chemnitz 2025 volunteer programme will also be continued in the future.
Information on the other award winners can be found here in the press release from the City of Chemnitz.
