Austria. On 28 April 2021, at the portico of the Landhaus, the ceremony of the bestowal of the 2020 Solidarity Prize, 27th edition of the Church Journal of the Linz Diocese in Austria, took place.
Sr. Elisabeth Sieg, Daughter of Mary Help of Christians of the Maria Auxilium Community of Vöcklabruck (Austria), in the Province of Saint Mary D. Mazzarello Austria-Germany (AUG), received the Solidarity Award in the “Groups” category for the integration work carried out with the players of the women’s soccer team from Vöcklabruck. The players come from Congo, Syria, Iran, Afghanistan, Holland, Germany, and Austria, and are between 14 and 40 years old.
The Vöcklabruck women’s soccer team was formed in 2014 and Sr. Elisabeth has been a part of it from the start, first as a player and then as a co-coach and educator of the girls. Her passion for soccer is also the result of Don Bosco’s teaching that considered sport a fundamental dimension for the integral education of the person and for transmitting human and Christian values.
With the slogan “Sport is for everyone”, Sr. Elisabeth attributes importance to soccer as an activity that favors the integration of members in the team and in society.
“Soccer helps to get out of one’s own schemes and manages to involve all social classes”, says Sr. Elisabeth Siegl. Informal activities, free time, and training help the players to relate, integrate, and form a community.
Solidarity Award of KirchenZeitung
Since 1994 the KirchenZeitung, Church newspaper in the Linz Diocese in Austria, annually bestows the Solidarity Award, which rewards people who stand out for their commitment to solidarity, humanity, and unity between citizens and foreigners, young and old, between human beings and the environment, rich and poor countries.
Nine people were awarded in four categories (work for life, individuals, groups, and young people) and received the award from Governor Thomas Stelzer, State Councilor Birgit Gerstorfer, Bishop Msgr. Manfred Scheuer, and Journal Editor Heinz Niederleitner.
Â
Congratulations dear Sr. Elisabeth…we accompany you with our joyful prayers so that you may continue to sow the seeds of communion, hope, solidarity and authentic friendship between women from different parts of the world.
Felicitaciones sor Elizabeth por este trabajo solidario, son nuevas fronteras donde has hecho presente al Instituto y a la Iglesia.
Congratulazione Elisabeth e comunitá! Avanti con il processo d’integrazione culturale!!!! Ci incoraggi, grazie di cuore!!!
Congratulations! I am delighted for you and for the province. Keep up the good work. United always in thought and prayer.
Kathleen Taylor fma