Achterhoek launches low-stimulus sports week to make physical activity accessible for all
From March 29 to April 5, the Achterhoek region in Gelderland is breaking down barriers to sports with a low-stimulus campaign. Tailored activities aim to help residents sensitive to noise, crowds, or bright lights stay active, improving health and well-being for everyone.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Campaign | Low-Stimulus Sports and Physical Activity Week |
| Dates | March 29 – April 5, 2026 |
| Region | Achterhoek, Gelderland |
| Locations | Aalten, Ulft, ’s-Heerenberg, Rietmolen, Lochem |
| Activities | Low-stimulus swimming, movement groups for brain injury, tennis, water exercise |
| Organizers | Uniek Sporten regions, Gelderland Sports Federation, Achterhoek in Beweging |
| Goal | Reduce barriers to sports for people sensitive to stimuli |
The Gelderland Sports Federation and Achterhoek in Beweging play a key role in promoting inclusive sports initiatives across the region. Their collaboration ensures that physical activity programs are accessible to all residents, particularly those with specific needs, fostering a healthier and more inclusive community.
Read the full translated article below
Achterhoek takes step toward inclusive sports: fewer stimuli, more people getting active
From March 29 to April 5, the Achterhoek region will focus on low-stimulus sports and physical activity. During this week-long campaign in Gelderland, activities will be organized at multiple locations, including Aalten, Ulft, ’s-Heerenberg, Rietmolen, and Lochem, for people who benefit from a low-stimulus sports environment. By offering calmer sports activities, the region aims to reduce barriers so that more residents can sustainably get moving.
For many people, sports and physical activity are a matter of course. But for residents who are sensitive to stimuli such as bright lights, noise, or crowds, the environment itself becomes a barrier. As a result, they often miss out, with consequences for their health and well-being.
The “Low-Stimulus Sports and Physical Activity” campaign week aims to change that. In the Achterhoek, it will be demonstrated how sports can be organized differently: more calmly, more clearly, and with personalized guidance. The goal is clear: to enable more residents to participate sustainably in sports and physical activity, thereby contributing to a healthier region.
Activities in the Achterhoek
During the week and beyond, residents can take part in various low-stimulus activities:
- Low-stimulus swimming – Aalten
At swimming pool ’t Walfort, a calm swimming environment will be created on Wednesday, April 1, from 2:45 PM to 4:00 PM, with dimmed lighting, no music, and fewer visitors.
- Movement groups for people with acquired brain injury – Ulft and ’s-Heerenberg
A structured offering where participants work in small groups on recovery, fitness, and social connection.
- Low-stimulus tennis – Rietmolen
Playing tennis in a quiet setting, with room for individual pace and attention to recovery moments.
- Low-stimulus water-based exercise – Lochem
During “Aqua Silent,” participants exercise without loud music, in a relaxed and safe atmosphere.
“We’re removing barriers so more people can join in”
“For many people, the issue isn’t motivation, but the environment in which they exercise,” says Suzanne Spexgoor of Achterhoek in Beweging. “By removing stimuli, we make physical activity accessible again. We ensure that residents don’t drop out but can participate once more.”
The campaign week is an initiative of the Uniek Sporten regions in Gelderland and is supported by the Gelderland Sports Federation and Achterhoek in Beweging.
More information
Residents interested in low-stimulus sports and physical activity can view the full program at: