This morning, 161 klootschiet teams gathered from near and far at the TT Circuit in Assen for the Open Drents championship of this age-old folk sport.
It became clear on the race track that Drenthe is having trouble keeping up with the klootschietsport. The region of Twente and the Achterhoek were particularly well represented: De Mazzelsmieters (Denenkamp) and KV Kluppelshuizen (Almelo) put their best foot forward.
The eastern neighbors also crossed the border: Klootschiesser & Bosselverein Freesensport Beningafehn wanted to establish their name in the Drenthe klootschieten circuit.
That did not mean that Drenthe was completely covered in snow today on its ‘own’ championship. Our province delivered one of the younger participants, Melvin Stuifzand (KSV Stuifzand). Since the age of twelve he has been a fanatic asshole shooter. His grandfather and grandmother passed on this virus to him.
Due to the Drents championship, he hopes that the youth will register more often with the local association. “You mainly see older people who still participate, youth is no longer added. In Drenthe this is a particular problem. You want more youth to participate, otherwise we will no longer have an association in ten years. It is a shame that there is little growth recovers.”
Still, the young bastard wants to enjoy today. “This tournament is not ‘pulling a dead horse’, this is wonderful. In regions such as the Achterhoek, the sport is also extremely popular. By doing this, you hope that it will trigger something in people.”