Memorial and meeting place commemorates “Johnny” and his commitment
The Jonathan Heimes Square at the Böllenfalltor stadium has been officially opened. Around the time of SV Darmstadt 98's home game against Hannover 96 on Sunday, August 30th, the Lilies inaugurated the newly named square in front of the main stand. It commemorates Jonathan "Johnny" Heimes, who died of cancer about ten years ago, and his commitment to helping people with cancer.
Before kickoff, club president Markus Pfitzner and Martin Heimes, the father of Jonathan Heimes, spoke about his importance to the club and his legacy, which continues to this day.
“The inspiration we receive from Jonny remains unbroken,” said Pfitzner. The memorial will keep Heimes’ memory visible in a central location within the stadium. “Johnny is part of our history and will remain so.”
"You must fight!" became part of the Lilies' history
The special connection between Jonathan Heimes and SV Darmstadt 98 arose primarily during the Lilies' sporting upswing between 2014 and 2016. His motto, "You have to fight! Nothing is lost yet," accompanied the team, fans, and club during this time and became closely associated with their success story.
The motto also gave rise to the non-profit initiative YOU MUST FIGHT! It supports, in particular, seriously ill children and young people and their families.
Martin Heimes expressed his gratitude that not only his son but also the initiative itself was being commemorated. Thanks to the new square, Jonathan's legacy lives on even ten years after his death.
The fan scene initiated the project for the square
The idea for Jonathan Heimes Square originated in the spring from an initiative by the fan scene. The concept was subsequently developed jointly with SV Darmstadt 98 and the Heimes family.
In addition to the renaming of the plaza in front of the main stand, a mural by graffiti artist Julian "Deafman" Bock now commemorates Jonathan Heimes. The mural focuses on his portrait, which was already part of a choreography with which fans remembered him in the stadium after his death.
A QR code on the memorial wall provides further information about Jonathan Heimes' life and his connection to the Lilies. In the coming weeks, benches will also be installed in front of the wall, further enhancing the square's character as a memorial and meeting place.
(DARMSTADT – RED/SV98)
Featured image: Arthur Schönbein
