Alphen aan den Rijn swimming club AZC honored with Royal Decoration on 100th anniversary
Alphen aan den Rijn’s AZC swimming club, a cornerstone of local sports and inclusivity for a century, has been awarded a Royal Decoration. The club’s work in competitive swimming, water polo, and community engagement has made it a regional hub for athletes of all ages and abilities.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Recipient | Alphen aan den Rijn Swimming Club AZC |
| Award | Royal Decoration |
| Anniversary | 100 years (founded March 17, 1926) |
| Award Presented By | Mayor Erik van Heijningen |
| Activities | Recreational swimming, competitive swimming, water polo, synchronized swimming |
| Inclusivity | Accessible for all ages, abilities, and para-swimmers |
| Location | Alphen aan den Rijn, Zuid-Holland |
The municipality of Alphen aan den Rijn, represented by the mayor, plays a ceremonial role in recognizing local institutions that contribute significantly to society. The Royal Decoration is a formal acknowledgment of an organization’s long-term impact on community well-being and cultural heritage.
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Read the full translated article below
Royal Decoration for Alphen aan den Rijn Swimming Club AZC
On Tuesday, March 17, 2026, the Alphen aan den Rijn Swimming Club AZC received the Royal Decoration from Mayor Erik van Heijningen. The club is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year with a jubilee celebration.
100 years ago
Swimming Club AZC was founded on March 17, 1926. Since then, it has grown into a regional swimming association catering to both recreational swimmers and top athletes. In addition to free swimming, members can also participate in competitive swimming, water polo, and synchronized swimming. The club is known for its strong volunteer culture and broad social engagement, ensuring that swimming is accessible to people of all ages and abilities, including para-swimmers. During the jubilee gathering, the club also reflected on its past highlights and sporting achievements at both national and international levels, as well as its societal role within the Alphen aan den Rijn community.
Royal Decoration
The Royal Decoration is awarded to associations and institutions that have been performing important work for at least 100 years. This distinction recognizes their long-standing and valuable contribution to society.