This was the 20th anniversary of an event that has a special place in the hearts of the BVB players ever since 1997: the visit to the children's hospital. Head Coach Thomas Tuchel said: "it is nice when you can create that little bit of magic and bring a smile to the faces of the children and the parents through a few small gestures."

Marcel Schmelzer noted: "it goes without saying that we will visit the children's hospital to make the children happy. We very  much much like to spend time here. You see the children's eyes light up - that makes us very happy."

As soon as the team bus was within sight, the excitement grew amongst the waiting children. Nuri Sahin, Marcel Schmelzer and Sven Bender were the first players to be recognised from a distance. Both they and all the other BVB pros took a lot of time and were happy to have a chat with the children and their parents.

The children were delighted about the presents that the Borussia players brought along, but much more so they were happy about having a chat, getting a hug and getting some autographs from their idols. Macot Emma was also there and as always she handed out lots of cuddly toys to the little children.

Professor Dr. Dominik Schneider, the Director of the Children's Hospital Dortmund said a big Thank You: "the visit is an absoloute highlight every year, the children really look forward to it! The players take a lot of time for the children and are very lovely with our patients." (ck/br)