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Cem Özdemir Advocates Handball Over Football

Handball

German politician Cem Özdemir expresses preference for handball amid a home game dilemma.

Quick read: Cem Özdemir prioritizes attending a handball match over a VfB Stuttgart game, highlighting the sport's value in community building and personal development. He reflects on the resilience and teamwork learned from his handball background, revealing its significant influence on his political career and approach.

Cem Özdemir's Sport Preference

Cem Özdemir, the politician who previously served as Federal Minister for Food and Agriculture, is attending the handball match between Germany and Turkey over a home football game of VfB Stuttgart. Özdemir shared his enthusiasm for handball, reflecting on his background as a youth player and illustrating the sport's relevance in fostering community involvement.

Handball's Role in Shaping Character

Özdemir emphasized the characteristics that handball fosters, such as teamwork, self-confidence, and resilience. He noted that the sport is particularly integrated into German culture, especially in rural areas, and promotes community spirit. Özdemir's previous experience as a goalkeeper has informed his political resilience, as he referenced handball when addressing public criticism during farmer protests in December 2023.

Handball's Integration and Community

According to Özdemir, handball serves as a powerful tool for integration, allowing individuals to connect with their local communities. He highlighted the insight gained from being part of a team and the necessity of teamwork in both sports and politics, asserting that success is not achieved in isolation.

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