Hansi Flick (l), national coach of the German national soccer team, receives the Bavarian Order of Merit from Markus Söder (CSU), Prime Minister of Bavaria. Photo: Sven Hoppe/dpa. (Source: dpa)
Munich (AP) – National soccer coach Hansi Flick has been awarded the Bavarian Order of Merit along with other celebrities from sport and society.
Among them were Olympic toboggan champion Natalie Geisenberger, former Olympic skiing champion Maria Höfl-Riesch and former ski racer Christian Neureuther. Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) honored 50 personalities with the award in the form of a Maltese cross.
According to the state government, the Bavarian Order of Merit has been awarded since 1957 to people who have shown commitment to the Free State. The number of 2000 awards distributed should not be exceeded. Proposals for future medal holders can be submitted to the authorities and the Bavarian State Chancellery. In addition, the Prime Minister and the Ministers of State can make recommendations.