Emmen celebrates four new Dutch sports champions across cycling, sprinting and twirling
Four athletes from Emmen have been honored for their national titles in cyclo-cross, sprinting, and twirling. Their achievements showcase local talent and inspire others to pursue sports, regardless of age or discipline.
| Name | Age | Hometown | Sport | Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valerie Horsman | 9 | Schoonebeek | Cyclo-cross | Dutch champion |
| Irma Wesseling-Valke | 61 | Klazienaveen | Sprinting | Dutch champion |
| Marrit Mensen | 14 | Barger-Compascuum | Twirling | Dutch champion |
| Hadya Foulematu Camara | 18 | Emmen | Twirling | Dutch champion |
The municipality of Emmen plays a role in recognizing and promoting local sporting talent by honoring athletes for their achievements. This initiative highlights the importance of sports in fostering community engagement and inspiring residents to stay active.
Happy with Openrijk?
We cover server costs and development ourselves. A donation is greatly appreciated.
Read the full translated article below
Dutch sports champions honored in Emmen
The municipality of Emmen has four new Dutch champions. They are Valerie Horsman (9) from Schoonebeek, Irma Wesseling-Valke (61) from Klazienaveen, Marrit Mensen (14) from Barger-Compascuum, and Hadya Foulematu Camara (18) from Emmen. Alderman Pascal Schrik honored them in the town hall in recent weeks for their outstanding achievements.
Champions in various disciplines
The athletes secured national titles in different sports. Valerie became Dutch champion in cyclo-cross, Irma won gold in the Dutch sprint championship, and Marrit and Hadya became Dutch champions in twirling. Their achievements highlight the breadth of sporting talent within the municipality.
Talent and perseverance
Valerie Horsman has once again delivered an impressive performance. Earlier, she won gold at the Dutch cycling championship in 2024 and secured multiple podium finishes. She trains weekly at Wielersport Vereniging Emmen and enjoys the variety of road cycling, mountain biking, and cyclo-cross.
Irma Wesseling-Valke took up sprinting at the age of 54 and has since become Dutch champion. In addition to her sporting achievements, she works as a vitality coach and inspires others to stay active.
Passion for twirling
Marrit Mensen started twirling at a young age and has trained intensively with her club since 2017. She is known for her perseverance and the combination of technique and elegance in her performances.
Hadya Foulematu Camara also began twirling at a young age. With her intensive training schedule and ambition to break through internationally, she demonstrates that talent and dedication go hand in hand.