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Diversity,
bright colors
& good vibes
BOOK READING IN THE ORIGINAL BAR WITH EX-PUMA FOOTBALLER THOMAS HITZLSPERGER
August 13, 2024BOOK READING IN THE ORIGINAL BAR WITH EX-PUMA FOOTBALLER THOMAS HITZLSPERGER
August 13, 2024In early August, the Christopher Street Day (CSD) parade took place in Nuremberg as part of the Nuremberg Pride Weeks in July and August.
PUMA, as the proud main sponsor of the CSD Nürnberg, accompanied the day with several events. To mark the anniversary of Christopher Street Day, 12,500 people took part in the parade under the motto “25 years & louder than ever”.
In addition to various events on and around the large stage at the center of Nuremberg, there was also a very special event in the nearby Original Bar.
The German Football legend Thomas Hitzlsperger came to visit. In the Orginal Bar, you could not only meet the ex-pro football player. He also talked about his personal coming out and read a section from his book “Mutproben” (dares). In a following Q&A session, he shared his insights on diversity and inclusion, talked about his experiences in the locker room when he was still actively playing football and why he wanted to come out only after his career. The CSD served as the perfect stage for his story and people were excited to learn his personal experiences.
"I think the greatest achievement of all was actually coming out. And I don't think there's a better day here in Germany to talk about it than at CSD."
In 2014, Thomas Hitzlsperger became the first German professional footballer to publicly come out as being gay. He wants to share his experiences to encourage other people, especially footballers, to live openly.
"I'm convinced that something has changed and that's why I always appreciate public coming outs. I still think they're right and important."
At PUMA, we believe that diversity is a key component of our PUMA Spirit. Our value “Be You” is not just a phrase – it underlines our commitment to creating a work place where every employee can be who they are.
Equality and non-discrimination are embedded in PUMA’s corporate culture. We want to continuously create a respectful and supportive workplace that enables everyone to simply be themselves.