The organization of the Dam tot Damloop is struggling with a shortage of volunteers. Every year, more than 1,500 volunteers, groups and (sports) associations ensure that the running event runs smoothly, but for this year they are still looking hard and time is running out.
The Dam tot Dam Weekend on 17 and 18 September in Amsterdam and Zaandam is the largest running event in the Netherlands with more than 70,000 participants. According to the organization, there is already a group of volunteers ready to ensure that it goes well again this year, but it is not enough.
The organization is still looking for more people who are willing and able to help with the running event. For example, at a care station, as a traffic controller, with the collection and distribution of clothing, helping with construction, helping on the course and many other tasks.
Everyone is welcome
“IEveryone is welcome and much needed to help with the Dam tot Dam events. The work will take place between Amsterdam and Zaandam. The atmosphere is excellent,” says volunteer coordinator Fonda Dekker. “Many volunteers return every year. It feels like one big family.”
How it is that so few people have signed up this year is a mystery according to Beau Groot of Le Champion (organization of the Dam tot Damloop). “Unfortunately, we do not immediately know an answer to this. Perhaps people are still catching up on outings, tickets, holidays, etc. from corona?”
“In the events and volunteering, it’s not about what you give, but the satisfaction you get in return”
Two volunteers at the sports weekend are John Smitter and Kees Moolhuijsen. Kees Moolhuijsen started helping after he stopped working. “With the events and volunteering, it’s not about what you give, but the satisfaction you get in return,” he says cheerfully.
“If you can guide enthusiastic walkers during an event, who will thank you and if you can indirectly support the Pink Ribbon mission, then my goal has been achieved,” says Moolhuijsen. Pink Ribbon is an organization within the Dutch Cancer Society and is specifically committed to breast cancer research. Together with Le Champion they organize the Pink Ribbon Dam tot Dam walking tour, also on 17 September.
John Smitter has been a volunteer at the Dam tot Damloop for over ten years and still enjoys it every time. “Also because I took part in the run six times myself,” he explains. “There are always many pleasant volunteers and the public is very enthusiastic. The gratitude of all runners – recreational and top runners – is great and that means that it is always a more than successful day.”
Dam Weekend
Sports organization Le Champion organizes the Dam tot Dam Walking Tour on Saturday 17 September and the Damloop by night in the evening. On Sunday, the Dam tot Dam FietsClassic and the traditional Dam tot Damloop will take place.
Are you coming to help with your sports club, neighborhood association or other association – with at least 10 people? Then you will receive a nice club cash compensation. The club receives € 15,- for every volunteer who is nominated. Register your association by sending an e-mail to [email protected]
Would you like to volunteer at one of the Dam tot Dam events? Sign up now via [email protected] Volunteers are welcome from the age of 16.
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Seen a typo? Let us know at [email protected]