SV Babelsberg 03 mourns the loss of Bernd Stiebitz - a life for integration!

SV Babelsberg 03 mourns the loss of Bernd Stiebitz - a life for integration!

Potsdam, Deutschland - On June 17, 2025, the football world of Babelsberg 03 achieved sad news: Bernd Stiebitz died at the age of 72. The Bischofswerdaer, who lived in Potsdam for a long time, was not only a passionate fan of SV Babelsberg 03, but also a committed player in the field of integration and international understanding. His tireless support for football and cultural education will remain in the region.

As a loyal visitor, almost every home game of Babelsberg 03 has conquered Stiebitz the hearts of fans. However, his commitment went far beyond visiting the stadium. In retirement as a freelance travel journalist, he devoted himself to the exchange with young players, especially from the Georgian city of Batumi. He did this, not least because he has promoted Dinamo Batumi and Babelsberg 03 in close cooperation since 2014. Stiebitz accompanied repeated visits to both teams and the exchange of music students between Batumi and Potsdam.

commitment to integration and international understanding

his heart also beat the integration of refugees, a concern that he pursued intensely during his time at the Berlin-Brandenburg Foreign Society (BBAG). Stiebitz was a formative part of the projects that supported immigrants and was particularly known for working with Poland. The twin city of Opole was of particular importance for him, even after his (un) retirement, as the BBAG emphasizes in its appreciation. He leaves a gap in the community and will be remembered as a passionate supporter of the Potsdam sport.

Voluntary work is also funded by the integration officer, who sees sport as the key to integration. This is shown in the large number of initiatives that help create a welcome culture. Programs such as "Welcome to Sport" or "Integration through Sport" enable clubs to actively involve refugees in club life and to offer them a new home. Access to sports and movement offers is particularly important for people with a family history of immigration, since they are often fewer members in sports clubs. With his commitment, Stiebitz has contributed to bridging this gap, which was reflected in the promotion of numerous sports projects.

his last great commitment to Babelsberg 03 took place in October 2019 when the U15 team took part in the Ajara Cup in Batumi. This type of exchange is not only sporty, but also contributes to international understanding - one aspect that Stiebitz was particularly important to. His tireless efforts to build bridges between different cultures will continue to have an inspiring effect.

The news of his death also met the Brandenburg-Georgische Gesellschaft e.V., on whose board Stiebitz was active for many years. The community prepares their sincere condolences to his family and relatives and will honor his honorable memory. Bernd Stiebitz will remain unforgettable, not least because of the many lives he touched and the connections he created.