Uncomplicated, down-to-earth, relaxed, but still disciplined: these were the characteristics that were used to describe the numerous athletes from Upper Austria on Saturday evening – and it was precisely this relaxed nature that was clearly noticeable on Friday evening in the Brucknerhaus in Linz. With the traditional gala night of sports – organized by the OÖNews and the LIVA with the Oberbank as the main sponsor – the highlight of Upper Austria’s ball season took place that evening and around 2,500 visitors did not miss it. Oberbank General Director Franz Gasselsberger even described the gala night as the “highlight of the Austrian carnival”.
“You look into the hall and the rows are completely full right to the back. That makes us as OÖNachrichten very proud. Especially in a year that puts a lot of demands on us in terms of sport,” said Thomas Arnoldner, deputy Editor-in-chief, in conversation with the moderation duo Silvia Schneider and Tom Walek and referred, among other things, to the European Football Championship and the Olympic Games in Paris. “It will probably be more like a marathon this year, the gala night of sports is already increasing the anticipation here.” Linz’s deputy mayor was also able to agree with this Karin Hörzing (SP) as a representative of the state capital.
Picture gallery: Prominent guests at the Gala Night of Sports 2024
(Photo: VOLKER WEIHBOLD) Bild 1/44
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Big emotions
Already at the opening around 8 p.m. the musicians of the… ptart orchestra under the artistic direction of singer and entertainer Eric Papilaya demonstrate their talent in the Great Hall – together with the group TopMoves and TopMove Showdance. Emotionally and soulfully, the young dancers first presented the elegance and lightness of dancing to “When we were young” by Adele, sung by the singer and violinist Allegra Tinnefeld – a goosebumps moment for many. With song contest participants Nathan Trent We went to the song “Lil boo thang” by Paul Rassell and then to the urban dance style. At the finale, the versatility of the dance was clearly visible with “Dance the night” by Dua Lipa: everything from commercial to standard dance was there. “For me, the gala night of sports was a big highlight of the year today – even if I would have liked it to be less spontaneous,” smiled Singer Nathan Trent, who came to the gala night directly from his trip to Costa Rica. “There wasn’t much time to breathe.”
“We are all infected by the potential of sport, it creates enthusiasm in us – and that is why I am emotionally involved in major sporting events,” said the state governor Thomas Stelzer (VP), who might be found on the dance floor of the Vienna Opera Ball the evening before. When Schneider asked how long the ball evening in Vienna was, Stelzer replied with a mischievous smile: “We’re keeping quiet regarding when we’re going home.”
Acrobatics show for brackets
The Economics Minister emphasized on Friday evening how important sport is for Austria as an economic country Martin Kocher (VP): “In the sports sector there are so many events – including voluntary events – where the whole world watches. Sport always creates a fascination and excitement. You just have to get excited,” said Kocher, himself a passionate marathon runner. “It’s simply unique that there are so many athletes from Upper Austria who always take part in the big events. You can tell that sport radiates one thing: a family feeling,” said Vice Chancellor and Sports Minister Werner Kogler (Greens).
Shortly followingwards, following an “Alles Waltz”, the dance floor was filled with numerous guests who came to the sounds of the ptart orchestra shaking a leg. But it wasn’t just in the Great Hall that there was a dancing atmosphere: the ball guests also didn’t miss the opportunity to listen to the rhythms of the live band in the foyer of the Brucknerhaus Six Pence to demonstrate your dancing talent. The team was on hand to freshen up make-up and hairstyles Haircutters ready in the styling lounge.
Finally, the students were thrilled with gymnastics, dance and, above all, acrobatics Sport-BORG Linz – The students and teachers have a special highlight for the guest of honor of the evening, ski legend Franz Bracketcanceled: An acrobatic show in the bracket style was offered in the panoramic foyer.
The start of the Gala Night of Sports 2024
Sport and music in the Brucknerhaus: Franz Klemm, Andreas Goldberger & Co. enjoy the home advantage. The first voters for the big ball night in Linz.
Honor for the athletes
At around 11 p.m. things got celebratory on the stage in the Great Hall: The Oberösterreichische Nachrichten (representing: Gino Cuturimanaging partner of the Wimmer media company) and LIVA (through Rainer Stadlercommercial director) became a ski legend Franz Bracket honored with the “Sports Life Award” for his life’s work. The emotions that this award triggers in the “Ski Emperor” were particularly clear in the minute-long standing ovation.
Another guest of honor of the evening had his heart pounding at this moment, as was also the former ski racer Thomas Dreßen (Kitzbühel winner 2018) was appointed by the State Sports Council Markus Achleitner (VP) appointed Upper Austrian ambassador.
Image gallery: The highlights of the Gala Night of Sports 2024
(Photo: VOLKER WEIHBOLD) Bild 1/114
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Musical excellence
After the awards, the musical program continued at the Gala Night of Sports, which was also held together with the event agency “The Crew For You“was organized: in the athletes’ lounge”Hoamspü” performed their hits at a live concert. The midnight performance in the Great Hall delivered LEMON: The Austrian singer-songwriter, who has already had hits such as “Maybe the Summer”, “Schwarze Wolken”, “So Leicht”, “Gegen den Wind” and “Nur Mensch” (in a duet with Christina Sturmer), impressed with a cross-section of his songs ) has gained a wide audience.
For those who wanted to party until the early hours at the gala night of sports, the DJ duo offered 2:tages:bart the perfect rhythms to get going once more. When the two DJs even tried out a lifting figure during the Dirty Dancing classic “The Time of My Life”, it was clear to both of them: “We’d better practice that once more until next year, because we’ll be back,” said Karl Weixelbaumer.
Picture gallery: OÖN Gala Night of Sports: The pictures from the photo box
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Author
Karoline Ploberger
Editor Upper Austria
Karoline Ploberger
Verena Gabriel
Author
Alexander Zambarloukos
Sports editor
Alexander Zambarloukos
