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Stefan Palkowski – That's how he rolls

Football for all and with all

13.12.2023

Stefan Palkowski loves sport. Whether it's soccer at Fortuna Düsseldorf or fitness in the woods – exercise is the be-all and end-all for the 53-year-old. The man from Gelsenkirchen has correspondingly high expectations of his prostheses. Why he sees a need for improvement in public spaces rather than in his fellow human beings and how he rolls otherwise, he tells us on REHACARE.com.
Photo: Stefan Palkowski runs up a wooded mountain; Copyright: PXL
Name: Stefan Palkowski
Age: 53
City: Gelsenkirchen, Germany
Occupation: Shipping agent
Disability: Amputation of right lower leg
Click here for his (German) Facebook profile: facebook.com/palle.palle.31542

What makes a day a good day to you?

Stefan Palkowski: Have a positive attitude and start the day with a plan.

Which auxiliary means or daily living aids are indispensable for you?

Stefan Palkowski: My everyday prosthesis to get through the day and the sports prostheses to stay fit and have fun.

What would you like to see from society and your fellow people in dealing with people with disabilities?

Stefan Palkowski: For the most part, my fellow human beings already show respect and empathy. There is still room for improvement in everyday life: Accessible entrances to public buildings and doctors' offices, for example.

Gif animation: REHACARE 2026 from 23 to 26 September 2026 in Düsseldorf/Germany, linked to "More information about the Trade Fair"
Photo: Stefan Palkowski fights for the ball with an opponent during a football match between two amputee teams; Copyright: Ralf Kuckuck

Stefan Palkowski (left) is a passionate sportsman and plays football for the Fortuna Düsseldorf amputee team.

What has been your biggest challenge so far that you have mastered – and what has helped you?

Stefan Palkowski: To make life with a disability as "normal" as possible. My family, friends, my employer and the medical departments have helped me with this.

If nothing was impossible: Who would you like to meet one day and why?

Stefan Palkowski: There is no specific person. I find it interesting to get to know new people, so I prefer to be spontaneous rather than selective.

What was your best REHACARE experience?

Stefan Palkowski: To support blind football in 2022 and amputee football in 2023.

What I wanted to say...

Stefan Palkowski: Thank you very much for the invitation to the panel discussion! I got to know new people and different views on the topic of dealing with people with disabilities.

Nadine Lormis smiles in to the camera; Copyright: Victoria Emanuel

Editor: Nadine Lormis | REHACARE eMag

Nadine Lormis has been writing about (digital) developments in the assistive technology sector, self-determined living and inclusion for over 15 years. As editorial director of the REHACARE eMag, she is closely networked with the community of people with disabilities and chronic illnesses – both professionally and personally.

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