Merit Cross with Ribbon for Jürgen Konrad: Canoe Polo Pioneer of the Ruhr and the Baldeneysee

Essen, Germany, July 14, 2026. Today, Lord Mayor Thomas Kufen honored Jürgen Konrad with the Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. The award ceremony took place on the 22nd floor of the Essen City Hall and recognized Konrad's exceptional commitment to canoe polo – a formerly niche sport that has become a trend sport, which he has shaped for decades in Essen, throughout Germany, and internationally. „Jürgen Konrad's life's work impressively shows what voluntary commitment can achieve,“ Kufen emphasized in his laudation. He highlighted how Konrad fostered generations of athletes, brought numerous top-class events to Essen, and thus established the city as an important sports location.

Jürgen Konrad was the first chairman of Kanu-Sportverein Rote Mühle e.V. from 1973 to 2011. The club is one of the first canoe polo clubs in Germany, and its home waters are located in the picturesque area of the Ruhr River near Essen. He remains active as honorary chairman to this day and is particularly involved in supporting young talent.

Konrad demonstrated his organizational talent with 52 international canoe polo Whit Monday tournaments, which have been held at the Baldeneysee since 1972. These major sporting events have attracted teams from all over the world, including from Namibia, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Japan – not to mention numerous European countries. He also served multiple times as host and organizer of national and international championships – including 18 German championships, three European championships, and one World Championship for national teams.

With the Baldeneysee and the Ruhr has made Essen, the Ruhr metropolitan region's capital, an ideal location for canoe polo and other water sports. The canoe club Rote Mühle, through its activities and the hosting of international events, contributes significantly to solidifying Essen's reputation as a center for canoe polo, among other things. This importance is reflected in the international participation and places Essen on par with other global canoe polo locations such as Thury-Harcourt in France or Chengdu in China, where, for example, the World Games were held.

The Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, founded in 1951, is the most important recognition for services to the common good. The awarding of the Cross of Merit with Ribbon to Jürgen Konrad honors not only his personal commitment but also the significance that canoe polo, as a demanding and international sport, has achieved in Essen. Through his decades of board work, the organization of numerous major events, and the promotion of young talents, Jürgen Konrad has significantly contributed to canoe sports in Essen having a bright future.