The city of Eindhoven recognised its sporting talents and their achievements during a gala evening at the Van der walk hotel.
Based on the nominees in various categories, there was attention on a wide array of sports, including dance, urban and disabled sports. To promote sports of all kinds and point out that everyone can be a hero and role model was the real purpose. Sports-Alderman Stijn Steenbakkers highlighted “the importance of sports due to its inclusivity and connecting powers”.
And the winners are
The awards were pre-selected by a diverse and renowned jury. 7000 votes from the public together with the final choice of the jury put the following heroes on the podium:
- Celine van Duijn, Sports Person of the Year (European champion 10-meter diving board),
- Sports Team of the year-PSV (after becoming the national football champion)
- Mark van Bommel -Coach of the Year.
- The price for Sports Talent -Ceyda Toprak. (This 15-year-old student, became world champion Muay Thai boxing in her age group.)
Special awards
Apart from the sports awards, 450 special medals given to other Eindhoven citizens. They either bagged a Dutch championship or ended up on the podium in a European or World championship. The Eindhoven Chess Club and ‘Stichting Special Talents’ received a special supporting price. 60% of the youth-players club from Chess club are from expat families. Eindhoven Atletiek was voted the association of the year, also they have a substantial international presence.
Jury member Tiny Sanders (former PSV CEO) shared his opinion on the importance of sports for internationals living in the Eindhoven area: “Parents feel much better here when their children have found their place in local sports teams or when their children enjoy a certain kind of sport. Doing sports is an important activity besides school, for children to stay healthy and release stress. Also, it is a way to express your ambition. Children and also adults can really give their energy in sports.”
Performers galore
The evening started with the BMX team from Area 51 displaying their skills on a small ramp. Spectacular show it was! Halfway, the recently formed yet already world champion, C-Fam dance team, showed a dynamic dance performance. Niek Traa from The Ruggeds as part of the Jury presented the importance and world-class quality of dance in the region.
All in all, it was a very interesting evening for Eindhoven news team and we will feature some of the most interesting encounters with winners and nominees in the next weeks on our website.
For Eindhoven news: Remco
