News item | 19-12-2025 | 3:00 PM
Marlou van Rhijn and Mirka Janssen become council members of the Dutch Sports Council. The Council of Ministers has approved this nomination. The appointment takes effect on January 1, 2026 for a period of 4 years.
Marlou van Rhijn is a three-time Paralympic champion in the sprint at the Paralympic Games in 2012 and 2016. She was also named Dutch Paralympian of the Year in 2012 and 2015. Since ending her sports career, she has worked as a consultant in her own company. Here she focuses on combining marketing and making a social impact by telling stories that inspire and encourage action. She is also an ambassador for the Johan Cruyff Foundation.
Mirka Janssen is a lecturer in Exercise at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences. In her work she focuses on strengthening the role of movement in the daily lives of children and young people. She combines scientific research with practice-oriented innovation and works closely with schools, municipalities, social partners and families to create a living environment in which children can grow up healthily.
The Dutch Sports Council is an independent advisory body that advises the government and both Houses of the States General on policy and social issues regarding sport and exercise. The Dutch Sports Council currently consists of nine members and chairman Tom van ‘t Hek.