On January 27 / 2023, the "Sportstiftung NRW" awarded 90 grants for the first time in Düsseldorf the fair "boot".  The athletes were decorated by the state secretary for sports and voluntary work in NRW, Andrea Milz, and the chairperson of the Sportstiftung NRW, Dr. Ingo Wolf. The top- level sports project of the WWU was represented by Jörg Verhoeven and Dr. Barbara Halberschmidt.
The decorated athletes are funded with 300€ / month for supporting their dual career. Additionally, this grant might function as a bridge between the academic career and the start into a working life since many of the sponsors mentor the young adults. More information can be found on the Sportstiftung NRWs' webpage.