Amsterdam is increasing the budget for Amsterdams elite athletes by an additional €50,000 per year over the next four years. The investment is intended for Amsterdams elite athletes and talents who compete at the highest level.
Parasport is sports for people with disabilities. There are many types of parasport, such as wheelchair basketball, para-athletics, and para-swimming. People can participate for fun or compete at the highest level as elite athletes. Parasports are more expensive compared to regular sports. Therefore, clubs for elite athletes receive additional funds through the Amsterdam Talent Program from Topsport Amsterdam.
Expansion of the Amsterdam Talent Program
In 2025, 6 Amsterdam clubs will receive extra provisions to better support their elite athletes. The clubs can use the funds for new equipment, transportation costs for international competitions, additional support such as a dietitian or mental coach, or better training facilities.
The resources in 2025 will go to the following parasport providers:
- Swimming Association De Dolfijn
- Team Para Athletics
- Only Friends, a sports club for wheelchair basketball
- Ice Hockey Club Amstel Tigers
- Fencing Center Amsterdam
- Beter Judo
Better opportunities for elite athletes
We reassess the selection of clubs every year. The funds are distributed based on the level of the athletes, the needs of the clubs, and how many athletes are being supported. Thanks to this investment, Amsterdams elite athletes will have better opportunities to develop and perform at a high level, just like other elite athletes in the city.
Equal opportunities for all athletes
Councilor Sofyan Mbarki of Sports & Movement: “Elite athletes deserve equal opportunities to get the most out of their careers. For elite athletes, extra provisions are needed, and we are attentive to that. This annual additional investment in Topsport Amsterdam will hopefully contribute to new successes for these Amsterdam elite athletes during the next Paralympic Winter and Summer Games. I am already looking forward to it!”
Training top talents
Program manager of TeamNL Tessel van Dongen: “As the TeamNL center, we facilitate several paralympic TeamNL programs. With this money, we can now also support Amsterdam clubs in further developing their guidance for top talents. And that is desperately needed, as our Amsterdam clubs are the foundation. Here, talent is trained, shaped, and stimulated to get the very best out of themselves. Here, future champions are born, and the foundation is laid. That is crucial for our sport and our city.”