Suche
Mein Konto
Call for donations for Ulli Potofski: Fulfill his last wish at Schalke!
Ulli Potofski, football presenter, died in 2023. The Schalker Markt Foundation is collecting donations for his funeral in Gelsenkirchen.
Call for donations for Ulli Potofski: Fulfill his last wish at Schalke!
On August 3, 2023, the football world lost a special person: Ulli Potofski. The 73-year-old presenter and journalist died after a serious illness. Born in Gelsenkirchen, he fell in love with football in his youth and was a true Schalke player through and through. Potofski became best known for the popular football program “Anpfiff”, which he hosted on RTL from 1988. He also left a lasting impression as presenter of the show “Auf Schalke” between 1998 and 2002. Most recently he worked as a reporter for “Sky”. Now the “Schalker Markt Foundation” is fighting to fulfill Potofski’s last wish to bury him in the Schalke cemetery in his hometown of Gelsenkirchen.
Ulli Potofski wanted a resting place on the Schalke fan field. This special area in the Beckhausen-Sutum cemetery was created in 2012 and offers a large number of Schalke legends and loyal fans the opportunity to find their final resting place. Those already buried there include greats like Willi Koslowski and Reinhard “Stan” Libuda. However, the cost of a grave is between 2,800 and 7,000 euros, a sum that the surviving relatives cannot afford for financial reasons. The foundation is therefore asking for donations to pay Potofski a dignified final honor. This also ensures that his funeral can take place near the Veltins Arena, where he put down deep roots not only as a journalist but also as a passionate fan. Further details can be found at Bunte and Der West.
The initiative of the Schalker Markt Foundation
The “Schalker Markt Foundation” has taken on the task of supporting Potofski’s funeral. This foundation has helped other Schalke legends, including Stan Libuda, fulfill their final wishes in the past. However, its mission goes far beyond individual funerals, as it advocates for the needs of Schalke fans and ensures that football culture remains alive in Gelsenkirchen.
But solidarity is not only required in Gelsenkirchen, but also at a higher level. The DFB foundations are involved in projects for integration, inclusion and cultural education. You support numerous initiatives that benefit our sport and society. In this way, they bring a bit of hope and perspective to everyone who has to overcome challenges on the field or in life. The mission is clear: football is more than just a 1-0, it connects people and cultures. Further information about the DFB Foundations can be found on their website DFB-Stiftungen.
It is now up to the Schalke community to continue the tradition of solidarity and dedication and to provide Potofski with the necessary means to find a final, dignified home. The support of the fans who shared his passion for football and his homeland could be the deciding factor here.