Team German men's eight

For over a decade, Wilo has been proud to stand firmly beside the German Men’s Eight as its main sponsor, supporting the team on its journey to triumphant success. This partnership is more than just a financial commitment; it is an expression of shared values such as excellence, consistency and a deep connection to water as an element. The collaboration is shaped by a tradition rooted in mutual respect and a passion for the sport.

Commitment beyond sport

Our support goes beyond sporting challenges. Wilo offers athletes apprenticeships, internships and working student positions. With the help of the Wilo-Foundation, we also award PhD scholarships to support their academic development.

Wilo supports not only the Dortmund Rowing Centre’s flagship team, the German national rowing eight, but also the coxless pair and coxless four. Together, we steer a course towards success.

In 2023, Wilo was named an ‘Elite-sports-friendly Company 2023’ by the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB), in recognition of its long-standing commitment to supporting the career development of elite athletes. The award has been presented by the DOSB in collaboration with other organisations since 2015.

Day in, day out, the athletes devote themselves to their training in the weights room, on the rowing machine or on the water in preparation for the major competitions. This often takes place far from the public eye. During this intense period, it is decided who makes it onto the prestigious boats: the coxless pair, the coxless four and the German Rowing Association’s flagship, the German Men’s Eight.

Once a year, the media’s attention turns to the men and women of the German national rowing eight. Every spring, the media day takes place at the rowing training centre in Dortmund - an event that gives the athletes a platform.

The same principle applies both to companies and to sports teams: strong support for new talent is needed to make them fit for the future. In companies, apprentices are at the heart of this, while sports teams rely on their youth system or, as in the case of the German national rowing eight, on the U23 eight. Wilo actively promotes interdisciplinary exchange between young professionals and up-and-coming rowers.

These encounters create synergies and reveal common ground. Whether it is the technology behind a pump or the dynamic design of a rowing boat: participants experience how technical and business topics interact. Shared sporting challenges are designed to strengthen team spirit and foster willpower.

Together with the Wilo-Foundation, Wilo is committed to a strong presence at international competitions. These visits are complemented by carefully organised events for the athletes and their families. These include group dinners, barbecues and social gatherings where officials, coaches, athletes and their families come together with Wilo and the Wilo-Foundation.