The sporting stars of Hoogeveen were honored in a festive setting on Monday evening in the Town Hall. A total of six prizes were awarded.
The 2023 Sports Elections were a look back on a year full of exceptional achievements. The title of Sportswoman 2023 was awarded to runner Jacelyn Gruppen, who showed her speed not only locally but also nationally with a bronze medal at the NK 10 kilometers on the road and the NK Cross.
Sportsman 2023 is footballer Milan Smit, who won the bronze shield (most goals) in the first period of the season and after a successful season extended his contract with SC Cambuur until 2026. Because Milan had to play football, he could not receive the award himself .
Parasporter 2023 is Brendan van der Sleen, who won gold at the National Championships with his Dutch record for the Air Rifle lying down.
The young taekwondo talent Ismaël de Lima (15 years old) was named Sports Talent 2023 after international successes in Germany and at the Dutch championship.
Sports team
The title of Sports Team 2023 went to VV Hoogeveen, who, after a historic championship in 1978, wrote history again by becoming champions in the fourth division and thus gaining promotion to the third division.
Sports councilor Roelof Bisschop emphasized the importance of sport for the municipality, not only for health but also as a binding factor. “The 2023 Sports Elections show how diverse and beautiful sport can be,” Bisschop said. “It’s not just about winning, but also about having fun and growing stronger together.”
Sports plume
In addition to the honor for individual athletes and teams, the indispensable role of volunteers and trainers was also highlighted with the Sportpluim. This year, Cees van der Kooij received this recognition for his years of dedication to taekwondo association Sidokwan. He has been a member since 1983 and has been active as a trainer since 1993. Van der Kooij not only contributes to the association, but also offers resilience training to children in primary schools.