Although Donald Debel had an impressive sporting career, he is mainly known in Ardooie as a bellman. Since 2009 he has also been a member of the prestigious Gilde der Bellemannen. Mayor Véronique Buyck calls him a “unique ambassador of the municipality”. “It is the most original form of city marketing, Ardooie’s best export product,” she adds.
Debel is clearly emotional by this recognition. “A star like that, especially for me, I think that’s fantastic,” he says. “This is a reward for everything I did. But I also dedicate it to the previous mayor and my wife who supports me in everything.”