Initiator and founder
of the Göttfried Inclusion Skicup
About me
I am Christine – and I live inclusion.
I am an inclusion ambassador, a philanthropist, an athlete, and a person with a big heart.
I was born with tetraspasticity , a form of spastic paralysis that affects my arms, legs, and speech.
But that never stopped me from actively shaping my life.
I love to laugh, I love life, Lake Tegernsee, and the people who accompany me.
And I am convinced that together we can achieve anything – if we trust each other to accomplish great things.
"I have learned that barriers disappear when people have the courage to truly meet each other."
my stoRry
I grew up in a time when inclusion was hardly an issue.
For many children with disabilities, this meant: special school, exclusion, few opportunities.
But my parents refused to accept that.
They fought to ensure that I could attend regular kindergarten and later regular school – against much resistance.
I learned early on that it's worth standing up for equality – even if it's uncomfortable. And that sometimes you have to take the more difficult path to be seen.
After school, I completed an apprenticeship, worked, and took on responsibilities.
I wanted to live independently – with leisure assistance and everyday assistance, but according to my own rules.
And that's exactly what I still do today.
My childhood
My life began on Thursday, November 23, 1972 at 6:15 p.m. , almost three months after the Olympic Games.
I was born in beautiful Munich, more precisely in the Nymphenburg district in the Third Order Hospital, and on November 30, 1972 I was baptized in the St. Francis Chapel in the same hospital.
While I was in the birth canal, I decided at the last minute to do one last pirouette. This spontaneous turn, however, had consequences for my central nervous system . It was damaged during my forceps delivery, resulting in spastic paralysis.
Tetraspastik means that my arms and legs are affected by spastic spasms. But not only that, my trunk muscles and speech muscles are also affected.
My speech requires some patience from my conversation partners, as my flow of speech is slower . A wheelchair has accompanied me on my life's journey since childhood.
A tough time
My parents were incredibly persistent and fought hard for me to have the chance to attend a regular kindergarten and primary school here in the Tegernsee Valley. I was the first child with a disability to attend these places. This fighting spirit that my parents instilled in me has influenced my entire life and made me the person I am today.
To be honest, my childhood wasn't only characterized by these positive experiences . Before I started kindergarten in Rottach in the late 1970s and went to elementary school in Kreuth in the early 1980s, I had to overcome many challenges.
I spent a lot of time at the children's hospital in Aschau, where I had Achilles tendon lengthening surgery. Before that, I was at the Spastic Center in Munich and the Pfennigparade.
As a small child, these experiences were personally horrific for me and left a deep mark on me. But that's precisely why I'm so passionate about fighting for inclusion.
"My childhood shaped me in a very special way. Inclusion was a foreign word back then, something unknown and unimaginable."
My Fascination with Travel
My youth was shaped by formative experiences that made me the person I am today. A pivotal moment for me was when my parents frequently took me to the USA in the 80s and 90s.
There, I gained insight into the opportunities available to people with disabilities in a country like the USA. Due to the large number of Vietnam War veterans, a law was passed early on mandating barrier-free access and parking for every public building.
In 1996, we attended a Bryan Adams concert. As I tried to get closer to the stage in my wheelchair, the crowd opened up before me like the Red Sea before Moses in the Bible. At that moment, I realized for the first time what incredible things are possible despite my disability when society is supportive.
I was right in front of the stage—something that was still unthinkable in Germany at that time.
This experience not only sparked my fascination with travel, but especially with America. This passion was instilled in me from birth by my grandfather, Donatus.
He was born in 1900 in the Göttfried family home and worked as a chef in cities like Paris and New York, even on passenger ships between Germany and America.
I was able to research this information using passenger lists.
In October 1999, I traveled to New York with a friend and visited the luxurious Waldorf Astoria Hotel, where my grandfather had worked as a chef.
He died in Czechoslovakia during World War II, and I took the time to find his grave.
Before visiting the military cemetery in Cheb (Eger), Czech Republic, in May 2012, I wrote him an emotional letter and even brought soil from our homeland, which had been consecrated by Monsignor Waldschütz.
I wanted to ensure that a piece of my homeland was near him.
My strong connection to my family plays a major role in my life.
"My youth was shaped by formative experiences that made me the person I am today."
turning point
February 9, 2015, was a day that changed my life forever.
On that day, I ventured onto the ski slopes for the first time.
It was a stroke of luck, because the Tegernsee Ski School had received the latest model of the "Tempo Duo" by Tessier, a special device for adults, for testing. However, to drive the bobsled, an experienced skier who had completed special training was required.
A good friend asked me if I wanted to try it. Without hesitation, I agreed, and he steered the bobsled for me.
It was an unforgettable moment.
With every turn I made on the slope, I felt the joy and wonder grow. Never before had I felt so light and free, as if I were pushing my limits with every turn. The skibob had miraculously changed my life.
From that day on, my life changed.
The path to becoming a "Ski Bunny Princess" was open. A new world had opened up for me, a path I had previously considered unattainable.
I felt free, boundless, and carefree. All the voices that had told me I couldn't do certain things because of my disability suddenly became meaningless. Here I was, and I could do it after all.
Since that magical day, I've ventured back onto the slopes time and time again, becoming known as the "Ski Bunny."
My passion for skiing grew with each passing day. I overcame obstacles and surpassed my own expectations.
My belief in my own strength and determination increased, and I began to pursue my dreams with unwavering passion.
"I never wanted to prove what I can do despite my disability – but rather what I can achieve with it ."
My drive
I have learned that inclusion begins in the mind.
When we engage with each other, when we see and support each other,
Then our society will become more humane – and richer.
I want to encourage you.
Courage to show oneself.
Courage to try new things.
Courage to actively shape one's own life – even with a disability.
The origins of the Göttfried Inclusion Ski Cup
The idea for the Göttfried Inclusion Ski Cup arose from a particularly meaningful encounter. It was in 2016 when Albert Meier and I experienced the "Tempo Duo" on the ski slope.
We were filled with joy and adrenaline when a little boy suddenly joined us and raced with us. It was a spontaneous moment full of fun and camaraderie.
This encounter sparked the idea in me that it would be something special to organize a giant slalom race for skiers with and without disabilities. It was to be a celebration of Haus Göttfried's 50th anniversary, a special event to promote inclusion and community.
I mustered my courage and spoke with the ski club, the ski school, and my friends to get them excited about this idea.
None of us could have imagined the enormous impact this idea would have.
What was planned as a one-off event sparked an unprecedented response and enthusiasm. Together, we laid the foundation for the Göttfried Inclusion Ski Cup, creating a platform where people with and without disabilities can experience skiing together in unity and joy.
Eight years have now passed since the founding of the Göttfried Inclusion Ski Cup, and it has become an integral part of the skiing community. People with and without disabilities compete side by side, demonstrating that barriers can be overcome when we work together. The passion, ambition, and joy I witness at this event are indescribable.
It fills my heart with pride to see how participants of all ages support each other and give their all.
"I have learned that barriers disappear when people have the courage to truly meet each other."
My foundation & current work
Over time, it became clear to me: I wanted inclusion to be visible more than just once a year at the Ski Cup. I wanted to create something lasting – a platform that facilitates encounters and breaks down barriers where they still exist.
So, in 2020, I founded the Christine Göttfried Foundation for Inclusion.
It supports projects and people who live inclusion in everyday life: in schools, in communities, in sports, and in culture.
The foundation is my passion project – it stands for sustainability, community, and lived humanity.
In addition, I am also involved in other areas, such as the "Künstler mit Herz" initiative against right-wing extremism and Kunterbunte Inklusion e.V. in the Dachau district, which promotes inclusion.
After my father's death in 2023, I decided to pursue my own political path. That is why I am passionately committed to these issues, such as democracy, inclusion and accessibility, in local politics in the Kreuth local association and district associations of the CSU and Women's Union for the Tegernsee Valley.
what I do
For many years, I have been committed to making inclusion tangible in everyday life.
My involvement ranges from sports and culture to local government work.
Here's a glimpse into what I'm passionate about:
Since December 2000: Senior Citizens' and Disabled Persons' Representative for the municipality of Kreuth am Tegernsee – I oversee construction projects, advocate for accessibility, and represent the interests of people with disabilities and senior citizens in the community. Since November 2015: Inclusion Officer for the Tegernsee Ski School – I promote inclusive snow sports programs and, together with the ski instructors, support people with disabilities on their journey into winter sports. Since November 2016: "Butzi Special Ambassador" of the Bräustüberl Tegernsee – a heartfelt honor recognizing my openness and zest for life, which has inspired many people there for years. Since February 2017: Initiator and Founder of the Göttfried Inclusion Ski Cup – an inclusive giant slalom race where athletes with and without disabilities compete together. March 2017 – October 2022: Ambassador of the Snow Sports Foundation. Since April 2018: Co-founder of the association F.I.T. – Freundeskreis Inklusion Tegernsee e. V. (Friends of Inclusion Tegernsee) – together we create spaces for encounters for everyone. Since October 2020: Founder and donor of the Christine Göttfried Foundation for Inclusion – here I support projects, initiatives, and people who make inclusion visible in everyday life. Since March 2023: Member and supporter of Kunterbunte Inklusion e. V. (Colorful Inclusion Association) – for creative, vibrant inclusion ideas with heart. Since October 2023: Active supporter of the "Artists with Heart" initiative – because art connects and opens new perspectives. Since February 2024: Member of the Miesbach Women's Union district association – advocating for a stronger female voice in society. Since February 2025: Member of the local CSU Kreuth executive committee – because I want to make inclusion politically visible. Since October 2025: Candidate for the Miesbach municipal and district councils – to further promote accessibility, participation, and inclusion at the local level.
"I have learned that barriers disappear when people have the courage to truly meet each other."
award
For my commitment to inclusion and accessibility, I was awarded the social prize of the district of Miesbach .
This honor means a lot to me – not because I received it alone, but because it shows that perseverance and compassion for others are worthwhile.
She is an incentive for me to continue on my path and to encourage even more people to take their place in our society as a matter of course.
Characteristics
Name
Christine Göttfried
Zodiac sign
Sagittarius
religious denomination
Roman Catholic
favorite color
Orange and pink
favorite drink
Latte Macchiato
Hot chocolate
Black tea
Hugo
white wine spritzer
favorite musician
Nik Wallner
Tim McGraw
Michael Bublé
Bing Crosby
Dean Martin
Frank Sinatra
Amy Grant
Anastacia
Céline Dion
favorite author
Andreas Föhr
Harlan Coben
Dan Brown
Nicholas Sparks
Nora Roberts
Jane Austen
Favorite movie
Pretty Woman
Hatari! (1962)
Die große Liebe meines Lebens
Favorite movie theme song
Let It Go
The Last Unicorn
nickname
Skihaslprinzessin
Eye color
brown
nationality
German
favorite place
Tegernseer Tal & USA
favorite ice cream
caramel ice cream
Vanilla ice cream
chocolate ice cream
frozen yogurt
Strawberry sorbet
Lemon ice cream
favorite band
ABBA
Rat Pack
Beach Boys
Queen
The Three Tenors
Roxette
Chicago
America
a-ha
favorite opera
Die Zauberflöte
Favorite-
actor
Cary Grant
Sean Connery
Harrison Ford
Alan Rickman
Jack Nicholson
Bruce Willis
Birthday
23. November 1972
Hair color
brown
Federal State
Bavaria
favorite animal
Red deer and chickens
favorite cake
Prinzregententorte
Marmorkuchen
Apfelstrudel
Donauwelle
Erdbeerbiskuitrolle
favorite song
Landweilig
Edelweiss
Hoamatgefühl
Ave Maria
Nessun Dorma
My Way
Smile
favorite operetta
Die lustige Witwe
Gräfin Mariza
Der Vogelhändler
Die Fledermaus
Favorite-
actress
Angela Lansbury
Diane Keaton
Barbra Streisand
Audrey Hepburn
Deborah Kerr
Doris Day
Place of birth
Munich
height
168 cm
disability
Tetraspastic
favorite food
Venison roast
and Caesar Salad
favorite book
Wallner & Kreuthner Reihe von Andreas Föhr (Hörbuch)
Gestohlene Träume
von Nora Roberts
(Hörbuch)
Favorite musical
MAMMA MIA!
Elisabeth
Das Phantom der Oper
Les Miserables
EVITA
STARLIGHT EXPRESS
WEST SIDE STORY
favorite series
Downton Abbey
Inspector Barnaby
Mord ist ihr Hobby
Navy CIS
Castle
Der Doktor und das liebe Vieh (Remakee)
Der Feuersturm
Feuersturm und Asche
Favorite-
director
Steven Spielberg
George Lucas
Rob Reiner
Alfred Hitchcock
