Introducing the six participants to the Young Commentators Programme

Commentators are vital to international sport events. They are the voices that bring the action to life, offering vital insights and excitement for all audiences. For those with visual impairments, their role becomes even more crucial, as they provide an engaging audio-description of the competitions. As part of its Young Sports Media Talents project, the Organising Committee of the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games is thrilled to introduce the six participants of the ‘Young Commentators Programme,’ who will offer live, inclusive commentary throughout the FISU Games.

Participants of the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 Young Commentators Programme

Six national participants:

"We were delighted by the interest in the "Young Commentators" program and were able to participate in the selection of participants,” said Lucas Schmelz and Maxim Brehme, professional commentators with T_Ohr, the German centre for reporting on the visually impaired and blind in Society and Sport, and future Mentors of the programme. “With this initiative from the organizing committee, we will not only expand the offerings for visually impaired and blind people at sporting events, but also support the next generation of “blind reporters”. We will train the selected students in the run-up to the FISU Games and provide them with further tips and tricks during the tournament to gain valuable practical experience.”

Commentary and discoveries to come in Rhine-Ruhr

The six Young Commentators will now work in tandem with experienced reporters as they provide live audio-description of selected sports at the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games. “I'm looking forward to meeting many different sports enthusiasts from all over the world, and getting to know the art of audio-description commentary”, shared Arndt Möller on his selection to the Programme. Ann-Marit Micheel added: “I am so grateful for the chance to be trained as a sports commentator. I could not imagine any other profession that combines everything that I am passionate about.”

For some of them, like Ernesto Scherer, audio-description commentary will be a new discovery and above all a new arrow to put in their quiver, as media professionals. “I find the dynamism and diversity of sports media particularly exciting, whether through live reporting, storytelling or producing content that can inspire fans around the world,” said the young Cologne man on this matter.

And for others, like Oskar Auffenberg, the excitement for the Programme can also come from the upcoming discovery of the Rhine-Ruhr region. “The area has an incredible population density and thus has a rich sporting history and culture. I believe it will be the perfect place to connect with thousands of sports enthusiasts from around the world,” said the 25-year-old.

“Learn a lot from each other”

But ultimately, a key part of this programme for the Young Sport Media Talents is of course the interactions and human connections that can be made through this event, as Luis Bracht pointed out. “I am looking forward to meeting fellow young people who are just starting out in professional sports media. Even though we are at the beginning of our journey, I'm sure we can learn a lot from each other and have a great time during the games.” Hilla Meyer echoed these sentiments and summed up the essence of the programme in her excitement at being selected: “I am most excited about being part of a dedicated and passionate team, celebrating the unifying power of sport and sharing those moments that bring people together.”

The six young talents will have training and workshops during the following months, to best prepare for their missions during the FISU Games. And to add on the first interaction they had with their future mentors Lucas Schmelz and Maxim Brehme, who were delighted to meet them during their lecture on 6 March: “Our public guest lecture as part of the "U-Media Expert Lectures" has already demonstrated the great interest in the field of live audio description, and we can hardly wait for the start of the "hot phase"!"