World Prematurity Day on 17 November highlights premature births and their consequences all over the world. "For many years, we have had a partnership with the Klinikum Leverkusen and we want to show our solidarity with the doctors, nurses and parents of the premature babies born at the clinic," said Meinolf Sprink, director of fans/community at Bayer 04.
Even though the chances of survival are good these days due to medical advances, many families continue to be confronted by the challenge of premature birth: Every year in Germany, over 60,000 children are born too early. That means every tenth child is born from the 37th week of pregnancy. These numbers ensure that children born prematurely are the largest patient group amongst children in Germany.
The idea of lighting up buildings across the world (Purple for Preemies) originally came from the American organisation March of Dimes and has grown increasingly popular. In addition to the BayArena in Germany, the castle in Heidelberg and the tower block at the Charité hospital in Berlin are also illuminated in purple.
The Klinikum Leverkusen is the main centre caring for premature births for the hospitals in the city and the surrounding Bergisches Land and with 1,600 births per year is amongst the most experienced maternity hospitals in the region. Last year, a total of 345 premature births were treated at the Klinikum Leverkusen.
A first win in the preseason: In the last friendly before the start of a two-week break in training, the Bayer 04 Women beat top-flight Dutch side Ajax 1-0. In the match played over three 30-minute thirds Vanessa Fudalla scored the goal for the Werkself. In the previous two friendlies this summer, the team led by head coach Roberto Pätzold lost 2-0 two Bundesliga rivals TSG Hoffenheim and drew 1-1 with the Dutch team PEC Zwolle.
Show moreAlejo Sarco has joined the Werkself training camp in Brazil. The 19-year-old striker, signed from Argentinian club Vélez Sarsfield in January, talks to bayer04.de about his first six months in Germany, help from Exequiel Palacios and his targets up to the end of the year.
Show moreThe friendly against the CR Flamengo U20 team on Friday, 18 July (kick-off: 14:30/19:30 CEST) represents the sporting highlight of the current Bayer 04 Brazil Tour. Ahead of the clash at the Estádio da Gávea against the highly successful youth team, there was a media event with the two Bayer 04 managing directors Fernando Carro and Simon Rolfes plus head coach Erik ten Hag. The trio talked about the forthcoming opponents, first impressions of Brazil and the reasons for holding the training camp in the land of the five-time World Cup winners. Here are the key statements.
Show moreDay three of the Bayer 04 Brazil Tour. Today, Thursday 17 July, sees the two new signings Jarell Quansah and Christian Kofane join the squad in training. Plus the former Werkself players Paulo Sergio and Rodrigo Chagas visit the Bayer AG Football School. In the afternoon there is a big media event ahead of the friendly against the Flamengo U20s. As usual, Bayer04.de keeps you up-to-date with on-the-spot reports. The blog for day three of the Bayer 04 Brazil Tour (timings given in local time).
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