Federal Assembly of the shooters: A new chapter for Schmallenberg!

Federal Assembly of the shooters: A new chapter for Schmallenberg!

On May 5, 2025, over 750 rifle sisters and rifle brothers came together to form the Federal Assembly of the Sauerland Schützenbund (SSB) in Schmallenberg. Under the organization of the Schmallenberg 1820 shooting club, led by its 1st chairman Michael Schöllmann, the meeting with musical accompaniment by the Stadtkapelle Schmallenberg under the direction of Michael Hoff was a solemn event. The agenda included reports on the business and cash register situation, a change in the articles of association and the new elections to the Federal Executive Board.

The amendment to the statutes, which has been decided, ensures that seven district shooting bundle will receive one more vote, which leads to a total of four votes on the federal executive board. In addition, the executive federal board was expanded to include the office of deputy federal manager. Various new members were elected and reinforced in the board elections, including Stefan Albersmeier from Anröchte-Berge as deputy Federal Colonel for three years and Martin Wenzel from Kirchhundem-Hofolpe as the successor to Markus Bröcher.

elections and honors

Martin Wenzel was elected unanimously, while Thomas Buchmann from Arnsberg-Hüsten acts as the new federal manager. Alexander Pusch from Arnsberg was elected deputy federal manager. Jürgen Dessel from Medebach-Oberschledorn takes over the office of the new federal treasurer, while Thomas Jostes from Meschede-Grevenstein was re-elected as Federal Writing Director. Dietrich-Wilhelm Dönneweg from Meschede-Frenkhausen was confirmed in his office as federal sports director.

As part of the meeting, Bernhard Adams and Markus Bröcher were appointed federal council members. Markus Bröcher received the Cross of Merit of the EGS in silver for his deployment. Pastor Johannes Böhnke from Arnsberg, who was honored with the order for special services from SSB

Bundeschützenfest and outlook

An important topic of the event was the upcoming Federal Rifle Festival, which will take place on September 19 and 20 in Holzen-Bösperde-Landwehr. Peter Hölzer informed those present about the planning status and campaigned for the participation of the member associations. The festival was recently decided in the lottery procedure, with the Holzen-Bösperde-Landwehr shooting club being selected as an organizer. This happened after the Federal Executive Board in the Federal Assembly 2022 in Halingen had given permission to search for a new organizer.

In addition, there were already discussions on the organization of a three -day Federal Rifle Festival in 2028. The next Federal Assembly is scheduled for April 18, 2026 at the Meggen shooting club, followed by another meeting on April 10, 2027, which was awarded to the Körbecke rifle Brotherhood.

The rifle system in Germany has a long tradition and is practiced by people of all ages as well as different social and cultural backgrounds. It includes a wide range of customs that vary regionally and has always adapted to social changes. The annual shooting festival, which is the focus of the activities, not only offers a place for tradition and customs, but also for social gatherings and celebrations that shape community life. These cultural events are of great importance for the identity of the smaller places and for the care of regional connections.

With the adoption of Wolfram Schmitz as federal manager, characterized by the recognition of his merits, a chapter in the history of the SSB closes. The new impulses and the ongoing maintenance of the shooting use will continue to be essential in the future to preserve and pass on the identity of the brotherhoods.