FC Schalke 04 uses its influence to strengthen children and young people in Gelsenkirchen and the region, enable participation and make cohesion tangible. For this engagement, the S04 has now been awarded by the German UNESCO Commission and the Federal Ministry of Education, Family, Seniors, Women and Youth. As the first German football club, Königsblau has received the „National Award – Education for Sustainable Development“ award. The award is particularly given to the educational offers of the Stiftung Schalke hilft! such as „Schalke makes School“ and „Football meets Culture“ as well as the anti-discrimination work under the motto #STEHTAUF. „Sport itself is already ideal for learning team skills and fairness“, said Dr. Roman Luckscheiter, Secretary General of the German UNESCO Commission at the award ceremony in the VELTINS-Arena. On Schalke, it will also become apparent how the club opens the door to education through sport – for example through „Football meets Culture“ or „Schalke makes School“. These initiatives are essential elements for integration and equal opportunities. „That impressed us“, Luckscheiter said. For the S04, the award is both confirmation and motivation. In Gelsenkirchen, the need is great, says Christina Rühl-Hamers, chairwoman of FC Schalke 04. „If you look at child poverty or the topic of different cultures and different religions in Gelsenkirchen, you simply feel: These are challenges that need to be addressed. As Schalke 04, we want to help with that.“