Three (former) board members of the Hou Vol ice skating association from Barger-Oosterveld received royal honors tonight. Herman Suelmann (78) from Emmen, Johan Siekman (77) from Emmen and Herman Ottens (79) from Klazienaveen were appointed Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau.
The accompanying decorations were pinned on the three by Mayor Eric van Oosterhout. This happened during the general membership meeting of the ice skating association in the Melody hall in Barger-Oosterveld.
Suelmann and Ottens said goodbye last year after more than 40 years. Siekman has been part of the board since 1982. The three have meant a lot to the track. They were responsible for preparing the track, maintaining the machines, collecting contributions, distributing entrance tickets and holding youth activities.
For Suelmann, the award also applies to other work. Since 1963 he has been one of the driving forces behind the Volharding music association. In addition to his commitment to the ice skating association, Siekman has also been involved with the Bicycle Tour Club Emmen for 35 years.