Article written by Rita Metzner, GWMD coordinator at Hoppenbank e.V.
20 August 2026, Bremerhaven (Germany) — The prison gates opened on Thursday for a very special event: the long-awaited Game with Mum & Dad day. Three families were treated to an afternoon of games, which broke through the often sterile atmosphere of the visiting room. It was a valuable opportunity for the imprisoned fathers to see their children again in a carefree and joyful setting.
The tension eased right from their first encounter. Where strict rules usually govern daily life, that afternoon was filled with warm hugs, laughter and tears of joy from fathers, mothers and children.
The Bremerhaven Correctional Facility does not have a gym, so here the GWMD events have been taking place in the conference room. However, the Hoppenbank team decorated the room lovingly and creatively, trying to make their time together as enjoyable as possible.
A small obstacle course invited the youngest children to climb and balance, with the little ones safely overcoming their first obstacles while holding their fathers’ hands.
During a casual game of mini-soccer and while trying out hula hoops, the focus was clearly on having fun moving together, and there was plenty of laughter.
Layout of the space allowed for plenty of time for group crafts and experimenting with colorful modeling clay. This resulted in little works of art that served as cherished mementos of the afternoon.
The secret highlight of the day, however, took place at the game table. The fathers had gathered for a big game of Memory with their kids. Roles were quickly assigned. With unwavering concentration and a seemingly unbeatable memory, the children turned over one matching pair after another. In the end, the three fathers had to admit defeat, laughing all the while—much to the delight of the little winners.
When visiting hours finally came to an end, it was hard to say goodbye. However, the three families left the prison with the comforting feeling that they had spent a thoroughly wonderful, harmonious day—and with the certainty of knowing who the true Memory champions are in their own homes.
Game with Mum & Dad is an international initiative that uses sport, play and shared activities to help children and imprisoned parents build and maintain family relationships. It began in Italy in 2015 with Bambinisenzasbarre and is now being implemented in several European countries, coordinated by Children of Prisoners Europe (COPE). In Germany, GWMD is implemented by COPE member Hoppenbank e.V.
