- #sport
- February 26, 2026
During the Apeldoorn Sports Awards on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at Schouwburg Orpheus, the best athletes of the past year were honored. The Municipality of Apeldoorn, Sportraad Apeldoorn, and Accres congratulated them on their outstanding achievements.
A total of 128 athletes received an Apeldoorn Sports Medal. This medal is awarded to athletes who have become Dutch champions or higher in a recognized sport. Four awards were presented during the evening: the Individual Sports Award, the Team Sports Award, the Sports Talent of the Year, and the Sports & Movement Award. The latter award is intended for someone with a special and inspiring story in sports. The jury consisted of five former Olympians from Apeldoorn: Bas van de Goor, Elis Ligtlee, Daniëlle Vriezema, Gert-Jan Liefers, and Anne-Grethe Stormorken.
Individual Sports Award: Hetty van der Wouw
Track cyclist Hetty van der Wouw won the Individual Sports Award. She achieved two European titles, three world titles, and improved a world record. The jury praises her strength and top performances at the most important moments.
Team Sports Award: Womens Track Sprint Team
The womens track sprint team, Kimberly Kalee, Steffie van der Peet, and Hetty van der Wouw, won the Team Sports Award. They became both European and world champions. According to the jury, their success is due to perfect cooperation and great trust in each other.
Sports Talent of the Year: Max Cabrera Polanco
Max Cabrera Polanco was named Sports Talent of the Year. He is the Dutch high jump champion under 18 years. The jury calls him a great talent with a lot of focus and a professional attitude.
Sports & Movement Award
The Sports & Movement Award went to Stephanie Veenstra. She has an inspiring story. After a kidney transplant, she regained her energy and self-confidence through sports. She participated in the Transplant Games, international sports competitions for people who have had an organ transplant. Stephanie trains almost every day on the athletics track. With her story, she shows that sports are essential for recovery, connection, and new opportunities.
Special Recognition for Harrie Lavreysen
Multiple world champion track cyclist Harrie Lavreysen receives special recognition from the jury and the organization this year. The form of this recognition will be announced later.
Alderman for top sports Nick Derks: “Apeldoorn is proud of these athletes. They show what you can achieve with talent, hard work, and joy in sports. With their achievements, they inspire young and old in our city to get moving themselves.”
Demonstrations and Activities
The evening at Orpheus also featured performances and sports demonstrations. There were demonstrations of freestyle football, dance, table tennis, and karate. The city rapper also performed. In the foyer, visitors could participate in activities such as curling.
New Award: Sports Photo of the Year 2026
New is the Sports Photo of the Year 2026 award. With this award, the Sportraad wants to show what sports mean for Apeldoorn. From top sports to amateur competitions: if a photo captures the feeling of sport, it has a chance to win. Residents can submit their photos before January 1, 2027, via info@sportraad.nl or share on social media with the hashtag #SportfotoApeldoorn2026.