Mérite Elsy Jacobs prize awarded to Ankie Timmers and Paul Wilwerding

On Wednesday, 6 November 2024, the College of the Mayor and Aldermen of Luxembourg City and Mérite Elsy Jacobs ASBL held the official award ceremony of the eponymous prize at the Scheiss cultural centre in Belair. The "Mérite Elsy Jacobs" prize for the promotion of gender equality is awarded to individuals in recognition of their efforts to advance gender equality in sport.

Ankie Timmers, internationally renowned powerlifting champion

This year, the City has awarded the local prize to Ankie Timmers, an internationally renowned powerlifting champion with a special link to Luxembourg City. She won the silver medal at the 2018 World Championship and the gold medal at the 2019 European Championship, and has trained at the Hamm sports hall for many years. In addition to her sporting achievements – which have earned her many titles – Ankie is known for her tireless efforts to promote powerlifting among women, and coordinates women's activities within the Luxembourg Powerlifting & Weightlifting Federation.

Paul Wilwerding, leading figure in Luxembourg women's soccer

The national prize, awared by Mérite Elsy Jacobs ASBL, was conferred to Paul Wilwerding, who has played a leading role in Luxembourg women's soccer. As coach of the SC Ell women's team since it was established almost 20 years ago, Paul Wilwerding has enjoyed a number of sporting successes, including winning in the Women's Cup (Coupe des Dames). Paul Wilwerding also founded a Girls' Youth team and championship, with the aim of training youngsters and giving them the chance to hone their skills with a view toward being able to play for the women's team later on.

While the winners have traditionally been announced at the press conference announcing the Elsy Jacobs Cycling Festival, it is only since 2023 that an official ceremony has been held to give the "Mérite Elsy Jacobs" prize the attention it deserves.