"The circus has an advantage, because they all find their place in it," said Emil Hartmann to an audience of over 140 people. He told them that "Zirkus Giovanni" can develop life-skills and that children can experience small successes that improve their self-esteem and their everyday lives. "It is an original experience in which young people are involved in difficult situations. The applause and the compliments are strong incentives for their growth." But the circus needs sponsors to help move this challenge forward. It does not enjoy public funding and the costs for the participants need to be kept as low as possible in order to meet the limited resources of the beneficiaries.
"It is important that children and young people are happy. The circus is making an important contribution to ensuring that children learn to overcome challenges and to gain self-confidence. These young people need to experience success and recognition. 'Zirkus Giovanni' offers the basis for all this" said Dr. Melanie Huml, Minister for Health in the State of Bavaria and Chairman of the Advisory Board of ‘Zirkus Giovanni'. The Minister then also commented that "it is very exciting and beautiful to see this group of young people gathered here" and she clearly expressed her satisfaction, not only in her opening speech, but also during the children's performances on the trapeze and in acrobatics.
The entrepreneur Michael Stoschek, who is also on the Advisory Council of ‘Zirkus Giovanni', together with Gerhard Metzner, President of the Civil Association Kaulberg, presented a check for 1,000 euro, while numerous other guests promised their support.
