Epke Zonderland 'The Flying Dutchman' ambassador of Miffy Moves Minister for Sport: 'Share innovations to reach the full potential of sports and ...
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JANUARY 2021
Epke Zonderland
‘The Flying Dutchman’
ambassador of
Miffy Moves
Minister for Sport:
‘Share innovations
to reach the full
potential of sports
and exercise’
Representing sport in economic missions of the Netherlands
Colophon
This Sportfolio presents an overview of projects brought together by Knowledge Centre for Sport & Physical Activity Netherlands, in cooperation
with the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport. Browse through the magazine to find a broad and diverse s election of national programmes and
policies, exciting innovations and successful projects that have international ambitions. © January 2021
Editorial staff Photography
Jacqueline Kronenburg • Melissa de Bruin • Hans Krudde (cover photo) • Winanda van Zwamen • WVZ
Frank Gobel • Ronald Jas (Twiga Communicatie) Fotografie (Special Heroes) • Thijs Rooijmans (TeamUp) • Foto
copyright KOGA (Olympic track bike T okyo 2021) • Gerben Pul
Design (Swim ABC) • Maurits van Hout • S hutterstock • Knowledge
Yolanda Exoo - Exoo grafisch buro - Amsterdam Centre for Sport & Physical Activity Netherlands • and photography
with courtesy of the organisations mentioned in this Sportfolio
Print
A limited edition is available in print - for economic missions Published by
of ministries and other purposes - at the Knowledge Centre Knowledge Centre for Sport & Physical Activity Netherlands
for Sport & Physical Activity Netherlands. www.kenniscentrumsportenbewegen.nl/en/
2
Introduction
Sport inspires us, challenges us.
Watching the Dutch team play at the
Paralympic and Olympic Games and
seeing them break records, motivates
people to become better at what they
do. In sports and in everyday life.
Even more important: being active together with other
people, outside or inside, is a lot of fun. You get to know
other people and might learn new things. This could be
during a stroll in the park with a colleague or during
hockey practice with your teammates. Moving together
is a good way to enjoy exercise.
During the year 2020, we became even more aware
that moving is not only about fun and challenges. Being
physically active is also really beneficial for your health.
Staying healthy is extremely important in these times,
in which we have to deal with the COVID-19 virus.
We are faced with the challenges of having to stay at
home more often. That means we lose a lot of moments
where being active just comes naturally, for example
because we don’t travel to work anymore.
If there is an upside to this crisis, it is that we see a lot
of innovations to make exercising and staying healthy
available for everybody. It is important that we share
these innovations, worldwide, to work together and
inspire each other to reach the full potential of sports
and exercise.
This Sportfolio presents an overview of projects,
brought together by the Knowledge Centre for
Sport & Physical Activity Netherlands. Projects that
showcase opportunities to join forces. I hope this
overview will inspire many new and successful
international partnerships.
Tamara van Ark
Minister for Sport
3
JANUARY 2021 - TABLE OF CONTENTS
2 Colophon 14 Sports innovations in the spotlight
3 Introduction Sportinnovator
Minister for Sport Tamara van Ark 16 TeamUp: activities for conflict-affected children
6 A sporting nation is growing and changing Unicef NL/War Child NL/Save the Children
Knowledge Centre for Sport & Physical Activity 17 Miffy Moves gives children a head start for the rest
Netherlands of their lives
8 National Sports Agreement DutchGymnastics
Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport 18 Sharing cycling expertise worldwide
9 Special Heroes: discover that being healthy can be fun Dutch Cycling Embassy
Special Heroes Netherlands 19 Digitally improving skills in PE class
10 The main organisation for organised sports Windesheim University of Applied Sciences
in the Netherlands 20 Sports innovation in the Netherlands: successful
NOC*NSF by cooperation
11 High Performance Centers for elite athletes Sportinnovator
NOC*NSF 21 Roadmap Sustainable Sports attributes to Paris
12 Game Changer project Tokyo 2020/2021 Climate Agreement
NOC*NSF Knowledge Centre for Sport & Physical Activity Netherlands
13 Sharing knowledge and data on sports injuries 22 New track bike helps Dutch Olympic Team to get medals
VeiligheidNL Delft University of Technology
13 12
11 15
23 Cross-fertilization between sports industries and 31 Changing the world of sports with social impact projects
academia More2Win
A4SEE Alliance for Sport Engineering Education 32 Introducing a new Knowledge Agenda Sport and Exercise
24 Connecting Dutch sports industry to partners abroad Knowledge Centre for Sport and Physical Activity NL
Orange Sports Forum 33 Teaching children to swim safely with Swim ABC
25 WorldCoaches trains football coaches worldwide Nationaal Platform Zwembaden | NRZ
KNVB/Royal Dutch Football Association 34 New model for creating physical activity-friendly cities
26 Examples of inclusive sports and PA in the Netherlands Knowledge Centre for Sport and Physical Activity NL
‘Come, join me’ offers new perspectives - Life Goals: sport 35 Thermo Tokyo: Beat the heat
as a participation instrument - Unique Sports maps Radboud University Medical Centre
supply and demand of disabled sports - OldStars - 36 Fund enables disadvantaged children to
Serious acceptance of LHBTI+ in sports participate in sports
28 Citius Altius Sanius, injury-free exercise for everyone Youth Sports & Culture Fund Netherlands
Delft University of Technology 37 Creating space for children worldwide
29 The new public-private sports platform: SportsNL Johan Cruyff Foundation
Ministry of Foreign Affairs/Netherlands Enterprise 38 World2Win (beach) volleyball in Senegal
Agency RVO NEVOBO, NOC*NSF
30 Equal opportunities for all children to do sports 39 Knowledge Centre helps improve quality of sport
Krajicek Foundation and PA
Knowledge Centre for Sport and Physical Activity NL
31 26
19 33
A sporting
nation is growing
and changing
Ouderenfonds
In the Netherlands, the needs of athletes are changing due to increased age and
prosperity, and a lack of time. More than half of the Dutch population exercises
regularly. More and more, athletes choose to be active in self-organised sports.
In recent years, the sports industry Youngsters have been exercising less 6,3 million athletes use the facilities
has become larger and more diverse. in the past 10 years, probably due to of 6,600 commercial sport providers
Sports for the elderly is a growing the popularity of online games, social (such as fitness, swimming pools, dance
sector, youngsters seem to participate media, and other challenges. schools, riding schools). Health, fitness,
less. This is the state of the Dutch and weight loss are important motiva-
sporting nation in a nutshell. For better health and fun tions for these people to exercise.
The Netherlands boasts 28,000 sports 30% of Dutch people exercising
No fewer than 8.8 million Dutch clubs; 23,000 of which are affiliated combine one or more physical
people (exceeding half the population) with one of the 100 sports associa- activities, either organised or self-
participate in sports at least once a tions. Together, all sports associations organised or in a commercial setting.
week, 15% of the Dutch even exercise have 5.2 million members. In addition
more than 4 times a week. 24% of the to their sporting motivation, these Increasing sports participation is a
Dutch never exercise. They have a lack athletes also come for health reasons crucial goal for Dutch governing
of time, do not feel healthy enough, or and fun, to a lesser extent for sporting bodies, NOC*NSF (main organisation
they consider family or hobbies to be performance. for organised sports in the Netherlands)
more important. 8.2 million athletes mainly participate and POS (the Platform for commercial
Overall sports participation in the in sports using public facilities such sport providers).
Netherlands is stable, but the share of as parks and forests or do sports at
the elderly is growing strongly. Partly home. A total of 11,000 km of hiking Most favourite branch of sport
because Dutch population is aging, but trails, 37,000 km of cycle paths, The number of members of all sports
also because relatively more people and 36,000 hectares of recreational clubs has been slightly declining over
over 65 take up sports or exercise. areas are available for them. the past 10 years, despite growing
6
diversity and new entrants such as long track speed skating and para-
anglers. Associations with sports swimming received the most medals,
activities suitable for the elderly, such the gymnasts and road cyclists
as golf, walking, and swimming, have the least. Female elite athletes
seen membership growth in recent participate more in elite sport than
years, but triathlon is also a popular 10 years ago and have won more
grower. Associations for racket sports medals than men in recent years.
(tennis, squash, and badminton), but Paralympic elite athletes also achieve
also for winter sports and equestrian more medals than regular elite
sports, see declining membership athletes and are in the top 10 of the
numbers. Paralympic Games.
The 3 million people exercising at a
fitness club define fitness as the Watching sports
largest branch of sport. Their share 59% of the Dutch watch sports in the
has stabilised since 2013 after a long media at least once a month, especial-
period of rapid growth. The relative ly men and the elderly. Despite the
newcomers in group sports, such as internet, television is still the most
boot camp, yoga, and kickboxing, are popular medium. Women watch
still growing. Due to the popularity of sports less through the media than
walking and cycling, clubs that offer men. Popular media sports for men
these sports are also taking a part in are football, Formula 1, and cycling. activities, of which 1,8 billion on
the growth of members. Women watch skating and swimming commercial sports providers and
more often than men. 1 billion on contributions, catering
Dutch elite sports costs, and other costs at sports clubs.
The Netherlands wants to belong to 45% of the Dutch have attended a The public sector spent 2,5 billion euros
the 10 best sports countries in the professional sports event at least once on sports in 2018, of which the local
world. Financial contributions to elite in the past year (excluding 2020). 33% authorities accounted for the majority
sport from the Ministry of Health, of men attend elite sporting events at (2,2 billion), which was mainly spent
Welfare and Sport have therefore least monthly, 12% of women do so as on sports facilities and sports and
grown in 10 years. Since 2013, more well. Young people attend sporting recreation facilities in the open space.
money has gone to 8 successful events more often than older people. From 2008 onwards, expenditure on
Olympic sports. this has decreased by an average of
The Netherlands is currently in the top The sports market 1% per year, while the use of public
10 of the Winter Olympics, but not yet Total expenditure on sports in the facilities for sports has increased.
in the top 10 of the Summer Games. Netherlands in 2018 was 5,7 billion
Source: Sports Branch Report Netherlands,
Since 2012, the growth of medals won euros. 2,8 billion of this was spent by
KPMG 2019, commissioned by NL Sportraad
has decreased slightly. The athletes of athletes themselves on sports (National Sports Council)
Paul Bence
7
National Sports Agreement
The National Sports Agreement is an instrument used to define
mutual ambitions on sport on a national and local level. At each
level, representatives of the sports sector and government are
involved and, if appropriate, representatives from the field of
education, health, and infrastructure.
The National Sports Agreement is an example of how Local sports agreements
ambition on sports policy is determined in the Netherlands. Since the National Sports Agreement was reached in 2018,
It is an instrument initiated at a national level by the local governments have been working on local agreements
national government, the sports sector (NOC*NSF), with the local sports sector. Every municipality could
and the Association for Sport and Municipalities (VSG). request €15,000,- to appoint a sports formateur. The role
Together, they have set ambitions and with a clear division of the sports formateur is to bring local parties together
of responsibilities, they are now working on reaching to establish a local sports agreement. After that, every
their goals. municipality can apply for extra funding to enroll the local
agreement, for which a total of €30 million is guaranteed by
the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport. In two years,
Six topics more than 95% of the municipalities now (2020) have
reached their own local sports agreement.
The National Sports Agreement focuses on six
topics: Collateral advantages
• Inclusive sports in the spirit of ‘no one left behind’ The process of defining local sports agreements has had
• Sustainable (and accessible) sports infrastructure a positive side effect: not only more cooperation between
• Vital sports providers stakeholders with clear goals and ambitions was developed,
• Positive sports culture but there has also been an increase of cross-sectoral
• Enjoying physical activity from an early age cooperation, at a local level. The stakeholders that are
• Elite sports and sports events (performance, involved in the agreements represent the sports sector
innovation, and experience) and the government, but we also see representatives of the
education, health, and infrastructure sector.
Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport www.sportakkoord.nl sport@minvws.nl +31 (0) 70 340 79 11
8
SPECIAL HEROES:
Discover that being healthy
can be fun
Special Heroes stimulates
a healthy and active
lifestyle for children
with physical or mental with disabilities. Finally, we challenge
disabilities. By creating companies to adopt corporate social
programmes in the areas responsibility in this domain.
of sports and exercise,
Results
work and participation, Over the past five years, 40,000
and nutrition and health, children with disabilities, 400 special The I am Professional Assistant pro-
we enable the children education schools, 500 sports clubs, gramme focusses on strengthening
180 municipalities, and 50 companies the participation, self-confidence, and
to experience the fun of
in the Netherlands have participated talents of young people in special
sports and health. in Special Heroes. 15% more young education and practical training.
people with disabilities participated Participants grow into a role as a
in sports and 85% of the special volunteer professional assistant.
education schools adopted the They learn on the job how to perform
Special Heroes programme on a their tasks and work together in a
long-term basis. variety of environments, such as
sports clubs, greeneries or a cultural
Special Heroes offers with the Special Heroes works closely together organisation.
programme Sport Heroes children the with NOC*NSF, the main organisation
chance to get acquainted with a sport for organised sports in the
of their choice and join a sports club. Netherlands, Knowledge Centre for
The programme works closely with Sport & Physical Activity Netherlands,
sports clubs nearby schools. Coaches and the Dutch Council for Primary
from sports clubs offer different Schools (PO-Raad).
types of sports in the school. This
creates the opportunity for children
to get acquainted with sports, and
then later continue exercising and
practicing sports as a member of a
sports club. Additional programmes
Healthy Heroes is a new stimulation
We guide schools in implementing the school programme that motivates
programme and in developing a children in special education schools
network of qualified sports clubs. We to experience healthy eating and a
train and coach sports clubs to work healthy lifestyle. It is not meant as a
with youth with disabilities. We also commitment or an obligatory course
advise municipalities in developing but as an independent, personal choice
policies and plans for young people that either can be tasty or fun or both.
Special Heroes Foundation www.specialheroes.nl emannen@specialheroes.nl + 31 (0)6 43 004 706
9
Netherlands Olympic Committee *
Netherlands Sports Confederation
Netherlands Olympic Committee*Netherlands Sports Confederation
(NOC*NSF) is the main organisation for organised sports in the
Netherlands. NOC*NSF has 90 affiliated members (77 governing
bodies and 13 associated organisations) representing nearly
24,000 sports clubs with a total of 5,2 million members.
NOC*NSF is the umbrella organisation for sports in the strategy and activities. TeamNL has put Dutch sports in a
Netherlands. It is our mission to create optimal circum- firm place within the top 10 of the international medal
stances for everyone who aspires to take part in sport and ranking. This is due to the high standard of the five national
physical activities, from recreational sportsmen and training centres (Centra Voor Topsport en Onderwijs),
sportswomen to elite athletes and from people with an innovation, research, and cooperation with national and
impairment to volunteers and fans. It is our ambition to international partners.
keep sports an essential part of Dutch society with high
sports participation numbers and excellent performances Worldwide sports partner
of our elite athletes. We are dedicated to developing sports worldwide even
further. We are committed to cooperating with current and
Diversity and inclusion new partners to improve international sports and sports
As the national Olympic and Paralympic committee and as activities, and to serve as an advocate for good governance,
the main organisation for sports for all in the Netherlands, inclusion, and sustainability.
we have a long and profound experience, extensive
knowledge, and a comprehensive network in the With our social inclusion projects such as the Game
Netherlands and abroad. Changer project in Tokyo and the World2Win project
in Senegal, we use the power of sport to make the world
The sports participation percentage in the Netherlands is a better place.
among the highest in the world. We focus on people who
are, for any reason, not physically active, we remove In the field of sporting events, we readily share our
barriers to join a club (Open Club model), and embrace knowledge of innovation of advanced world and continen-
diversity and inclusion. Paralympic sports and people with tal championships to make events worldwide even more
impairments are an integrated and important part of our attractive for athletes, fans, event organisers, and media.
NOC*NSF www.nocnsf.nl ingrid.vangelder@nocnsf.nl +31 (0)26 483 44 00
10High Performance Centres
for elite athletes
NOC*NSF, the main organi-
sation for organised sports
in the Netherlands, strives experts. The HPCs allow athletes to The sports federations remain
live, train, and study in one location in responsible at all times for the elite
for an optimal support of a high performance sports culture sports and training programmes. In this
Dutch elite sports athletes. with the best coaches and experts. triangle, we train approximately 1,500
Therefore, it has developed talented and elite athletes in full-time
For the five HPCs, NOC*NSF works sports programmes every day.
an elite sports infrastruc-
together with five regional organisa-
ture, in co-association with tions, mostly public parties, which, in Delivering elite athletes and
regional sports federations. addition to the deployment of financial social relevance
The infrastructure exists resources and the appointment of The elite sports infrastructure forms
experts, take on all the coordination the foundation for the training of
of five High Performance
for the daily training setting of athletes and the top 10 ambition of
Centres (HPCs) that each talented athletes and elite athletes. NOC*NSF. Despite the high level of
strive to create optimal They are also responsible for housing, satisfaction among sports associations
conditions to support the providing meals, transport and - elite with the daily training setting, the
sport-friendly - education for athletes. deployment of experts, and other
national high performance facilities offered by HPCs, the
sports and talent pro- We have developed five fields of facilitation of top sport requires
grammes from the sports expertise: nutrition, strength & continuous attention and improve-
conditioning, (para) medical services, ment to remain the best.
federations.
performance behavior, sport science &
innovation. An HPC supplies lifestyle, The challenge of the HPCs is also to
study, and (after) career coaching develop social relevance. This includes
The responsibility for vision and policy for both athletes and coaches. the responsibility to achieve a safe
lies within NOC*NSF as a sports The coordination of all facilities and sports climate in a continuously
umbrella organisation. However, we amenities requires good coordination changing societal playing field. Elite
work together with regional parties to between NOC*NSF, the sports sport sets an example in this respect.
facilitate HPCs and deploy the right associations, and the HPCs. Our rich network us the opportunity
to share knowledge and experience
with other environments in which
children develop and learn.
Sharing visions and knowledge
internationally
NOC*NSF is a member of ASPC
(Association of Sports Performance
Centres). On this platform, we share
our knowledge and expertise. Many
other Olympic Committees have
visited one of the Dutch HPCs in the
last years. We are very pleased that
we can share our vision and strategy
about high performance management.
NOC*NSF/ Team NL www.nocnsf.nl info@nocnsf.nl + 31 (0)26 483 44 00
11Game Changer project Tokyo
2020-2021
The National Olympic Committee/Netherlands Sports Federation
(NOC*NSF) wants to contribute to a long-lasting social legacy
of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in the host cities of the
Games. Therefore, NOC*NSF launched the Game Changer
project for the 2020 Games in Tokyo. This project supports the
integration of people with an impairment in Japanese society.
Better integration of people with Sports, by all means, are an excellent way to provide
an impairment is one of the main people with an impairment with more self-confidence, to
objectives of the Tokyo 2020 organis- facilitate their integration in society as well, and to
ing committee and the Japanese strengthen and enhance the contact between individuals
government for the 2020 Games. with and without impairment. NOC*NSF is pleased to
share this experience and knowledge with Japan and,
NOC*NSF is the main organisation for therefore, the organisation has decided to put the integra-
organised sports in the Netherlands. tion of disabled people at the heart of its social project.
In the last few decades, NOC*NSF
and Dutch federations have gained a Inspire and motivate people with an
lot of experience in the field of impairment
Paralympics and sports for people Since 2017, at least twice a year, Dutch experts share
with an impairment. their knowledge and experience with regards to sports for
people with an impairment with sports clubs, schools, and
governmental bodies in Tokyo. The knowledge transfer
focuses on the strengthening of these organisations,
enabling them to offer, realise, and independently
implement a sports programme for individuals with
an impairment in the future.
Also, Dutch Paralympic and Olympic athletes travel
regularly to Tokyo to inspire and motivate people with
an impairment, their families, teachers, coaches with their
personal stories, their passions, and their Paralympic or
Olympic accomplishments.
In the Game Changer project, NOC*NSF closely cooper-
ates with the Japan Sport Council (JSC), the Dutch
Embassy in Japan, and three Tokyo districts: Edogawa City,
Nishitokyo, and Adachi City. Due to the postponement of
the Tokyo Games, the project will run until 2021. During
COVID-19 travel restrictions in the Netherlands and Japan,
the Game Changer project will continue remotely through
online workshops and meetings.
NOC*NSF www.nocnsf.nl international.affairs@nocnsf.nl +31 (0)26 483 44 00
12VeiligheidNL shares knowledge
and data on sports injuries
VeiligheidNL (the
Dutch Consumer Safety
Institute) strives to implement evidence- and practice- players. Independent research showed
empower and strength- based interventions for athletes, that up to 85% of the athletes that
coaches, physical therapists, and used these interventions changed
en participation in
physicians to prevent sports injuries. their behavior towards injury
sustainable sports by We report the results in scientific prevention.
providing athletes, publications and campaigns. The
coaches, physical effective interventions of VeiligheidNL More about VeiligheidNL
can be adapted for specific countries, VeiligheidNL has been collecting and
therapists, and physi-
whilst collaboration with international monitoring data on sports injuries in
cians with an insight partners would facilitate thorough the Netherlands since 1986. Based on
into healthy and safe evaluation and implementation. these data, VeiligheidNL provides the
behavior to prevent Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and
Results Sport and national sports federations
sports injuries. VeiligheidNL has a significant track with advice and strategies for the
record of grants for sports injury prevention of sports injuries.
research. Examples of interventions VeiligheidNL collaborates with
VeiligheidNL gathers yearly epidemio- we developed: the interactive App universities and sports federations.
logical data on injuries sustained ‘Strengthen your ankle’, and various Experts from VeiligheidNL are involved
across all sports in the Netherlands. warming-up protocols for field in national and international projects
Subsequently, we develop and hockey-, volleyball-, and soccer related to prevent sports injuries.
VeiligheidNL www.veiligheid.nl/organisatie/about info@veiligheid.nl +31 (0)20 511 45 11
13Dutch sports innovations
in the spotlight
The Sportinnovator programme stimulates innovation that is not only
beneficial for elite athletes, grass roots sports, and for people who
don’t exercise enough, but can also generate economic, societal, and
sportive benefits. Take a look at a couple of these Dutch innovations.
Steering assistance in handle- by some 30% between 2000 and 2010. Serious bike
bars prevents cyclist from accidents are often the result of cyclists losing control of the
falling bicycle, and, in many cases, the cyclist is an elderly person.
The Dutch road safety institute SWOV Technical University Delft and the bicycle manufacturer
has established that the total number Royal Gazelle have developed a prototype of a bike with
of serious traffic accidents is still smart steering assistance. That may help to reduce the
decreasing every year. However, number of falls with bicycles, using a technique that is also
accidents involving cyclists increased used in top track cycling. The bike has a smart motor in the
handlebars that provides steering assistance if the cyclist
is in danger of falling.
Outdoor sports accommodations providing
solar energy
Up to 80% of outdoor sports accommodations is left unused
during daytime. Wouldn’t it be great to use this huge amount
of surface to make the city a more durable place to live in?
With Solar Carpet it is possible to cover artificial grass
surfaces with flexible, rollable solar panels. In this way,
sports playfields (and many other surfaces) become
multi-functional: used for sports and generating solar
energy. When it’s sporting-time, the system simply rolls
up and is safely stored in a casing on the edge of the field.
14The world’s first circular climbing holds
Research indicates that the global market for climbing
holds will double in the next ten years. Only in Europe,
800 climbing halls are estimated to be built in this period.
Greenholds climbing holds will be the world’s first circular
climbing holds used for the Olympic climbing sport. The aim
is to make the infrastructure of the climbing gyms more
sustainable. At the end of the lifecycle, 100% recycling of
the product will be possible. Not only the product but also
the circular business model will become non-disruptive.
Prototypes are now being tested and market introduction
is foreseen in 2021. The ambition is that the climbing holds
that will be used at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics will
be circular.
Non-chemical weed control on sport playfields
How can one develop automatic electrical weed control for
sports and recreation areas without the use of chemicals
and emissions to air, soil, and water? This question contains
some important elements in ‘greening’ the sports.
through wear and tear, the spread of artificial fiber, as well
as the infill granules that artificial grass produces, is harmful
to the environment.
The Sweco company is dedicated to the mitigation of
this environmental impact. At the end of its life cycle, the
synthetic turf should be disposed of sustainably. Sweco has
taken the lead in forming a consortium of expert service
providers to solve this problem. Through this consortium,
a unique type of fiber and artificial grass surface is being
developed, consisting of fibers that, under the right
conditions, can be composted at the end of their usage.
Together with the University of Wageningen, Ramm BV
develops recognition with camera technology and
plant-specific pictures. With ‘deep learning algorithms’
the computer can recognize the five most common weeds,
in a velocity of five to twenty frames per second. With
the use of Rootwave technology, the weed is killed with
electricity. The technical features are combined on a
machine running behind a compact tractor.
The world’s first compostable artificial grass
surface
The advantages of using synthetic turf for outdoor sports
are manyfold. Sporting on an artificial turf pitch is possible
24 hours a day and all days of the week without a resting
pause that natural grass playfields need. However,
Sportinnovator www.sportinnovator.nl/english info@sportinnovator.nl +31 (0)70 349 54 24
15TeamUp: movement-based activities
for conflict-affected children
TeamUp is a psychosocial support intervention of structured
movement-based activities for children (affected by conflict),
developed by a coalition of War Child Holland, Save the Children,
and UNICEF Netherlands.
TeamUp was developed in 2015 to respond to the social-
emotional needs of refugee children in the Netherlands.
A proven positive track record in 5 countries, the interest
of external partners, and millions of children exposed to
traumatic events due to conflict allow the TeamUp inter-
vention to be of added value for programming by others.
Offering stability through sports sessions
TeamUp offers activities based on play, movement, and body
awareness for conflict-affected children aged 6 to 18. Each
activity has a specific goal, related to a social-emotional
or psychosocial theme. The non-verbal movement-based
facilitation by trained facilitators allows all children regard- Evaluations
less of their language to participate. The structured In 2019, 4,358 refugee children participated in TeamUp in
sessions following the principles of ‘same place, same face, the Netherlands of which the majority lived in reception
same time’ create a much-needed sense of stability and centres. In 2018, an evaluation carried out at Dutch
normalcy for the children. TeamUp aims to improve reception centres concluded that TeamUp is seen as an
the psychosocial well-being of children to strengthen their outlet of high energy and strong emotions, as a time to
resilience. This is realised through four main outcomes: experience normalcy, and a way to strengthen relationships
• Children have an increased feeling of safety and with other children. In 2019, an evaluation at Dutch schools
protection concluded that TeamUp supports children to practice
• Children experience an increased sense of social regulating their emotions, to make new friends, and to
connectedness enjoy movement activities that they can look forward to.
• Children have a positive outlook
• Children are better able to self-regulate their Expanding internationally
emotions and behaviour. Since 2017, TeamUp was gradually implemented in Uganda,
Sri Lanka, the occupied Palestinian Territories and Colombia.
The methodology was contextualized and translated.
In-country staff were trained and they cascaded the training
to facilitators of TeamUp sessions. A mentoring system was
set up to support facilitators. The sessions are provided in
safe spaces, schools, and youth community groups. Specific
TeamUp resources were developed for a Covid-19 context.
In 2020, preparations were made to roll out TeamUp to
Sweden and with SOS Children’s Villages to Italy, Greece,
Burundi, Ethiopia, Somalia, Somaliland, Rwanda, and Nigeria.
The ambition is to further scale the intervention for other
partners to implement the intervention as well.
War Child, Save the Children, UNICEF Netherlands www.warchildholland.org/projects/teamup/
Teamup@warchild.nl +31 (0)20 422 77 77
16Miffy Moves gives children
a head start for the rest of
their lives
The Miffy Moves way children learn responsibly with a and which gives the children a lifetime
lot of variation. This is essential to be of benefits in sports, at school, with
programme consists of a able to move and exercise well. friends, and at home.
series of exercise classes They also learn social skills when
for children aged 2-6 playing together, waiting for their turn, Miffy Moves abroad
years. Every week, and dealing well with each other. And Miffy Moves was introduced in the
did you know that good and varied Netherlands in 2014. Today, more
children have fun doing exercise is the most important tool in than 50,000 children have earned
physical exercises and the development of their brains? This their certificates. We have worked
simultaneously learn way Miffy Moves contributes to the with more than 400 sports clubs,
health and happiness of all children. primary schools, and day-care centres
fundamental movement
to achieve this. We would like to
and social skills. In 2014, The programme has been carefully export Miffy Moves to other coun-
the programme was compiled by Dutch Gymnastics and is tries. Since children abroad face
developed by the Royal only given by specially trained coaches. similar challenges, and obesity is a
After completing the lessons, the growing issue, the importance of
Dutch Gymnastics
children will receive a Miffy Moves exercise for a longer and happier life
Federation (KNGU) in certificate that shows what they have is universal. Please contact us if you
close cooperation with learned. A certificate to be proud of, want to find out more.
sports clubs, schools, and Olympic medalist gymnastics Epke Zonderland is an ambassador of Miffy Moves
a day-care centre. Now,
the time has come for
Miffy to move abroad.
We playfully teach children how to
move correctly and encourage them to
develop their locomotor, cognitive, and
social skills. Children who learn to
exercise and who are provided with a
basic knowledge of sports at a young
age will grow up healthier, and will be
happier and more balanced in their
later lives.
In the Miffy Moves classes, toddlers
and preschoolers will for example learn
how to balance, roll, hop, jump, catch,
swing, throw, and kick. All basic
Thijs Rooijmans
movement components are covered
through fun exercises and games. This
KNGU/Dutch Gymnastic www.miffymoves.com info@beweegdiploma.nl +31 (0)55 505 87 00
17MAKING THE WORLD CYCLING-FRIENDLY
Dutch Cycling Embassy
As the Netherlands is Worldwide, the Netherlands has the physical (when possible), for all those
highest bicycle use and provides the interested in learning about it, and
a well-known cycling
widest range of cycling know-how, with experts who wish to share this
nation, many cities and products, and infrastructure. knowledge.
professionals all around
the world are interested With over 40 years of experience in Sharing cycling expertise
bicycle policy and practical bicycle worldwide
in learning how the solutions, the Netherlands are a We want to share our expertise and
Dutch managed to build unique international testing ground. technology, being the world’s number
such livable cities where The Dutch Cycling Embassy (DCE) one cycling country, to facilitate
cycling is safe and effi- has been working for the past 10 years cycling worldwide as the most
on transferring Dutch expertise to modern, efficient, and sustainable
cient. This is especially cities, professionals, or activists method of transport.
important in these hard abroad who are interested in learning The growing interest in Dutch practices
times during which our more about how their cities can in urban transport is mainly due to a
become more cycling-friendly. Our transition of the transport sector
mobility habits are being
goal is that ultimately everyone can towards sustainability and the redis-
questioned due to the use this active mode of mobility as covery of the bicycle as a means of
pandemic. their way to move around their cities. transport. Cycling not only contributes
significantly to urban mobility, road
To do so, the DCE organises webinars, safety and emission reductions, but
study tours, workshops, online classes has also positive impacts on the
and coaching projects, both virtual or economy, social inclusion, and health.
Dutch Cycling Embassy www.dutchcycling.nl info@dutchcycling.nl +31 (0)15 202 61 16
18Digitally improving skills in
physical education
Can movement games, video registration,
and other digital tools improve the quality
of Physical Education (PE) lessons?
Windesheim University of Applied exercise activities. Exercises incorporate visual feedback
Sciences Zwolle investigated how digital from the trainer as well as feedback given by the system.
They can be tailored through a combination of the most
applications can be implemented fitting exercises and setting the right parameters. In this
successfully in PE-lessons. project, expertise on embodied gaming and instruction
and pedagogy in sports training are combined.
Many Dutch PE teachers embrace new technologies in The master’s eye (2019-2023). This programme researches
their lessons but are wondering about the effectiveness. to what degree the perceptual skills of PE teachers are
Windesheim University investigated the effects of digital determined by professional experience, and to what
applications in the Digitization in PE class project. degree, and how, these skills can be enhanced by deliberate
Researchers investigated, for instance, how PE teachers practice. Accurate perception is a crucial prerequisite for
can use digital observation tools in their lessons. A tool like providing adequate learning support to the students as
video tagging can be integrated into PE, stimulating the well for reliably grading their performances.
analysis of tactical situations in games by students. The programme focuses on new insights into the degree,
Such technology supports teachers in the selection of and the nature of the perceptual skills of PE teachers, and
appropriate video images that are also directly available on effective methods for deliberate practice to enhance
in the learning situation. The effectiveness and user- the perceptual skills of PE teachers.
friendliness of such tools were examined to foster games
teaching processes and to create rich learning situations Life Experience Through Sport (LETS) (2020-2023) is a
for students in team sports settings. research programme in cooperation with Wageningen
University, that aims to examine how socially vulnerable
Pedagogical boundaries adults transfer newly learned skills and competences in
Technological applications have their pedagogical bounda- a sports context to other life domains, and what societal
ries: they should never negatively interfere with the initial costs and benefits these programmes bring about.
objectives of PE. Also, cameras and images should not
disrupt the pupil’s motivation. Technology in PE class should
adhere to the pedagogical vision that we shouldn’t create
an idealized image. Pupils should believe in their ability.
The goal is to teach children to move better and motivate
them to incorporate physical activity into their lives
permanently. The pleasure of improving movement is
crucial. Technology should serve to increase this pleasure.
Other research projects
Smart Sports Exercises (2018-2021) is a collaboration
with the University of Twente, focusing on new forms
of (volleyball) sports training. Athletes perform training
exercises in a ‘smart sports hall’ that provides high-quality
video display across the surface of the playing field.
A digital-physical training system offers tailored interactive
Windesheim University of Applied Sciences www.windesheim.com/research im.van.hilvoorde@windesheim.nl
+31 (0) 26 388 847
19Sports innovation in the Netherlands:
Successful by cooperation
In 2019, Sportinnovator launched a challenge for funding innovative projects for inclusion on playgrounds.
Knowledge and innovation In elite sports, we want to hold a ‘the healthiest region in the world’.
permanent position in the world’s top Therefore, we aim at sustainable,
in sport are priorities on
10 major sporting events. Science and long-term innovation cooperation
the Dutch sports agenda. technology account for a major between member states.
In the past years, the proportion of our exports. We strive
national programme to be one of the top 5 knowledge A wide range of highly qualitative
economies in the world. These innovation centres is supported to
Sportinnovator created a
ambitions provide a positive breeding increase (inter)national cooperation,
network of highly qualita- ground to boost knowledge and creating new opportunities for
tive innovation centres innovation in the field of sports. starting innovations and realizing a
and helped to set up strong climate for innovation in sport.
Sportinnovator
national and international Sportinnovator is the Dutch national Besides that, Sportinnovator stimulates
cooperations and various programme for sports innovation. innovation through providing funding,
innovation projects. The It focusses on: using various financial instruments. In
• Increasing the economic and this Sportfolio you will find examples
launch of the unique digital
societal value of sports innovation of innovation centres and projects
platform Sport Data Valley • Increasing participation in sports/ supported by Sportinnovator.
in 2020 enables coaches healthy lifestyles
and researchers to analyse • Winning more medals at important Successful by cooperation
elite sports events. Sportinnovator has developed a
and safely administer
The programme is led by a team of ‘quadruple helix’ model for innovation
research data on sports prominent Dutch leaders in business, in sports. The innovation projects
and physical activity. government, science, and sports and involve close collaboration between
is supported by the Ministry of local authorities, businesses, scientists,
Health, Welfare, and Sport (VWS). and sports institutions. An example of
The Netherlands are a sports loving Sportinnovator contributes to the this is research carried out in 2020.
nation: no other country in Europe ambitions of national policy on sports The study aimed to gain insight on how
counts relatively more sports club and physical exercise by focusing on gyms and other indoor sports areas
members than the Netherlands. innovations within the Dutch National can remain open to athletes in a
A web of 26,000 sports clubs covers Sports Agreement. responsible way, thus diminishing
the country, as well as many pitches We endorse the European the risk of Covid-19 contamination
and play areas. Commission’s ambition to become during sports in enclosed areas.
Sportinnovator www.sportinnovator.nl/english info@sportinnovator.nl +31 (0)70 349 54 24
2022,000
sport clubs and
sport entrepreneurs
5.7 10,000
million sqm sports facilities
Main goal Roadmap: in 2050 all sports
accommodation in the Netherlands low-carbon.
CONTRIBUTION TO PARIS CLIMATE AGREEMENT
Roadmap Sustainable Sports
In January 2020, the Dutch sports sector took an important step in its contribution
to the Paris Climate Agreement. The Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport,
NOC*NSF (National Olympic Committee/The Netherlands Sports Federation),
the provinces, and a representation of Dutch sports entrepreneurs have signed
the Roadmap Sustainable Sports.
The Roadmap will help and motivate all Dutch circularity, and environmentally friendly
municipalities and sports clubs to become fully field management (including Integrated
sustainable, and make their sports facilities and Pest Management)
locations future-proof. With this Roadmap, the • These task forces regularly meet with
sports sector shows that it is committed to the municipalities and suppliers.
Paris Agreement, and that it will take the lead in
making social real estate future-proof. For The Knowledge Centre for Sport & Physical
instance, in 2050 all sports accommodations Activity Netherlands has launched an online
must be low-carbon. platform offering inspiring case studies and
best practices, tools, and news articles. In
Early results November 2020, we have even launched an
Even though the Roadmap is a long-term innovative virtual game for policy advisors
instrument and only started in 2020, we can about ‘greening the sports’ in municipalities.
already share some early results: Our team of experts advises and informs
• More than 600 sports clubs have already owners of sports accommodations. We share
signed up for a (subsidised) counseling process our knowledge through webinars, in news
• Task forces have been formed for the three articles, and at trade fairs. We also participate
pillars of the Roadmap: CO2 reduction, in the three task forces.
Knowledge Centre for Sport & Physical Activity Netherlands www.duurzamesportsector.nl
info@kenniscentrumsportenbewegen.nl +31 (0)318 49 09 00
21New track bike helps Dutch
Olympic Team to get medals
The creation of a completely new track bike is one of the most visible Dutch
innovations for the Olympic Games in Tokyo 2021. Also, the project is a great
example of the collaboration between industry, academia, and sports.
The Royal Dutch Cycling Federation (Koninklijke 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. This time, new
Nederlandsche Wielrenunie, KNWU), bike track bikes will be designed and developed for
manufacturer KOGA, Delft University of the entire Olympic cycling team – specifically
Technology (TU Delft), Pontis Engineering, tailored to each cyclist.
and Actiflow have jointly created a completely
new track bike for the Dutch Olympic Team. The cyclists in the national team selection and
The bike is predicted to contribute to achieving their training staff have played an active role
good results at the Olympic Games in Tokyo in in the development of the new bike. Each
2021. It has been designed to deliver an optimum Olympic cyclist will receive a custom-made
combination of lightweight and aerodynamics KOGA track bike. The frame and handlebars
as well as to correspond to the individual have been adapted to the individual cyclist’s
characteristics of the cyclist and his/her length and posture, ensuring the stability of
particular discipline. The bike is expected to the bike. This is important because sprinters
yield an advantage of 0.5 seconds during the in particular exert unprecedented forces
team sprint event. on the bike at peak times at the start or in
full sprint.
Cyclists and staff attribute to the
development The project is a good example of the added value
KOGA had already developed a special bike, the of a close collaboration between industry,
Kimera, for Olympic cyclist Theo Bos during the academia, and elite sports.
© KOGA
KOGA, KNWU, TU Delft, Pontis, Actiflow www.knwu.nl/project-tokyo M.Dorlandt@accell.nl +31 (0)6 53 339 131
22A4SEE PROJECT
Cross-fertilisation between
sports industries and academia
The EU-funded A4SEE project seeks to promote
education in sports engineering by establishing inno-
vative curriculum projects, joint courses, and modules.
Higher education institutes can adopt new ideas,
methods, and processes that improve the quality of
teaching and multi-disciplinary cooperation, by courses in sports engineering could
partnering with world-leading companies in sports (and should) provide education on
equipment, data analytics, and sports organisations. emerging technologies (e.g. big data,
self-healing materials, Internet of
Things (IoT), artificial intelligence,
The relatively young academic field of Speeding up innovations etc.) or societal changes (e.g. demo
sports engineering is growing rapidly, The diverse range of technology graphics, sedentary behaviours,
due to the growth of the economic disciplines however slows down the and so on). Furthermore, university
impact of sports and sports equip- innovation process. Cross-sectoral graduates from sports engineering
ment. The industry and the services cooperation between universities, curricula need to possess the
around it are rapidly growing, and as research centres, industries, and sports appropriate innovation and entre-
such the need for sports engineers is bodies could accelerate entrepreneuri- preneurial skills (also ‘transversal
growing as well. al behaviour, and improve the innova- skills’ or ‘21st-century skills’) to meet
tion climate. Effective knowledge the needs of the sports industry.
The currently growing demand for transfer is inhibited by differences in
skilled sports engineers, and its growth, culture and language between industry Consortium
create both a challenge and opportuni- and academia. This also hampers We have created a consortium of
ty for education. The global sports academic staff to educate students academic and industrial partners
industry is diverse, fragmented, and with appropriate transversal skills. to create an outstanding programme
rapidly changing. It is a large industry of both fundamental and applied
(comparable to aerospace) and an A4SEE joins industry and teaching as well as practical experi-
early adopter. It comprises numerous sports engineering ence in both summer and winter
different sectors and therefore relies The A4SEE programme hopes to assist schools, an apprenticeship in compa-
on innovation and technology that in cross-fertilisation between industry nies, and a well-coordinated thesis
spans many disciplines. Sport is known and academia, to ensure that the rapid programme. By this, the consortium
to play a major positive role in societal changes in the sports industry are can answer the increasing demand
challenges such as health, demographic mirrored in sports engineering of the industry of well-educated
change, and inclusion. education. For example, university sports engineers.
TU Delft Sports Engineering Institute www.a4see.com a4see@tudelft.nl +31 (0)15 278 91 39
23ORANGE SPORTS FORUM
Connecting Dutch sports
industry to partners abroad
organisations, and institutes to come OSF in China: We Parks
into contact with parties abroad. OSF has started structural coopera-
OSF’s network currently consists of tion with China on behalf of the
more than 300 companies and consortium Dutch Football Partners
institutions, and works closely with the (DFP) that consists of Dutch compa-
Orange Sports Forum Dutch government and foreign nies. In the multi-year programme
(OSF) is a platform for missions (embassies and consulates). Partners for International Business
Ultimately, the forum aims at optimal (PIB), the consortium, in cooperation
internationally promoting
use of opportunities abroad. Orange with the Dutch government, focuses
companies, organisations, Sports Forum also serves as a beacon on opportunities for the development
and institutes connected that attracts parties from abroad. of football in China.
to Dutch sport. It involves The consortium will use its expertise
We do this through a twin branch of to stimulate and contribute to the
‘hardware’ (infrastructure, OSF, Holland Sports & Industry. HS&I development of football in Western
accommodation, financing, focuses on foreign partners with an China. In this context, OSF has
advice) and ‘software’ interest in the Dutch market and organised various incoming missions
brings them into contact with the best from China, as well as various trade
(training, coaching, nutri-
Dutch companies, organisations, and missions and trade fair participations.
tion, education, sports institutions in the field of sport. Our One of the results of this program is
marketing). network includes a broad variety of the development of ‘WePark’, an
companies, sports federations, and innovative and interactive Sino-Dutch
organisations with state-of-the-art concept that can be applied in urban
One of OSF’s most important roles is knowledge, products, and services development to promote healthy
to identify opportunities in and for relating to sport. We are therefore lifestyles. The first WeParks were
other countries, and to provide a the go-to resource for information opened in Chengdu, Chongqing,
platform that allows Dutch companies, in the field. Foshan, and Wuhan.
Orange Sports Forum www.orangesportsforum.com info@orangesportsforum.com 31 (0)85 401 19 77
24WorldCoaches trains football
coaches worldwide
Training football coaches life skills. Life skills include communi-
cation and creative competences as
in their own neighbour-
well as critical thinking, dealing with
hood or village, so that emotions, and solving problems. These
they can be trainers and are all skills that children learn by
role models in their own playing football, and they can apply relationship. Since 2009 we have
the same skills in their daily lives. trained over 15,000 World Coaches
local communities.
(24% of which female coaches) and
Identifying social issues reached more than 600,000 children.
That, in a nutshell, is the main philoso- WorldCoaches trainers can also make a Anyone with a passion for football
phy behind WorldCoaches, the difference by addressing relevant local and the right mindset can become a
international social programme themes during their training sessions, World Coach. Motivated and talented
launched by the Royal Netherlands such as crime, health issues, diversity, coaches can develop their skills to an
Football Association (KNVB) in 2009. and girls’ and women’s rights. advanced level or even become an
The programme is based on the Educating people on these subjects can instructor themselves. That is how we
KNVB’s long-standing experience and sometimes be challenging. create an independent network of
expertise in coaching and training. local knowledge.
For this reason, the WorldCoaches
The WorldCoaches programme programme teaches its pupils what it Organisation
focuses on three strategic goals: means to be a role model, how to WorldCoaches is one of the five pillars
• Personal development identify and analyse social problems, of KNVB’s international strategic
• Social cohesion open them up for discussion, and refer agenda. KNVB has teamed up with
• Health. their target group to the local institu- various organisations to generate the
Football connects people anywhere tions. This is how WorldCoaches pupils biggest impact. The KNVB invests in
in the world. WorldCoaches plays its can become role models and confidants the programme, with the Dutch
part by inspiring children and guiding that guide children on and off the pitch. Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Health,
them in a natural, playful way in Welfare, and Sport, and works together
sports, and in their social behaviour. Results with local organisations, other football
The activities, organised by local The WorldCoaches courses are held in associations, companies, and interna-
World Coaches, not only focus on countries with which the Netherlands, tional non-governmental organisations
football, but they also serve to nurture the KNVB or one of its partners has a as UNICEF and War Child.
WorldCoaches www.knvb.com/themes/worldcoaches worldcoaches@knvb.nl +31 (0) 88 027 50 50
25EXAMPLES OF INCLUSIVE SPORTS AND
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN THE NETHERLANDS
Life Goals: sport as a
participation instrument
The Life Goals foundation stimulates vulnerable
people to participate through sport. We focus on
people who are stuck in life for whatever reason:
homeless people, people who suffer from
addiction, refugees, teenage mothers, former
prisoners, or people who suffer from mental
health issues. They all share the desire to get a
better grip on their lives. The foundation uses
sport as a means to make people move again.
OldStars
Participating in sport within the regular infrastructure
With the OldStars programme, the Dutch is hard for these groups. Therefore, we developed the
National Elderly Foundation strives for senior- necessary tools to engage local municipalities, clubs,
friendly sports environments by starting sports and healthcare institutions in facilitating sport activities
clubs and introducing adjusted sports activities for these groups. We believe in local ownership by
such as walking football, basketball, hockey, educating local organisations and professionals to
handball, rugby, tennis, and table tennis. adequately apply our methods. We have educated
more than 200 professionals to become a Social Sports
OldStars allows elderly people to participate, meet new Coach. They are the motor of our programmes and they
people, do adjusted exercises, and become active at a apply methods that focus on the personal development
sports club as a trainer, group leader, or volunteer. of participants and help them tackle challenges such
Fun, the social aspect, and autonomy can be tackled as homelessness, addiction, illiteracy, and criminal
and brought back to the life of elderly people through behaviour among youth. In recent years, our coaches
participation in sport. OldStars’ philosophy is founded have directly contributed to the development of over
on the following three pillars: 5,000 people.
• Physical fitness: health risks are reduced by enabling Contact www.stichtinglifegoals.nl
seniors to participate with an adjusted fitness level.
Any OldStars training has a format that is supported
by the Athletic Skills Movement strategy that
chooses several movement forms, instead of the form
that fits the sport. OldStars also organises special
days for trainers.
• Social fitness: the programme lowers the threshold by
free demonstration days for the elderly. Trainers can
see the social part as part of the training. Also, the
elderly can become OldStars trainers themselves.
• Strategic fitness: OldStars is a national movement that
serves as a catalyst. We stimulate local cooperation
and use the network of sports associations to reach
more sports clubs. We also support the organisation
of national events to facilitate the movement towards
senior friendly sports clubs.
Contact www.oldstars.nl
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