Moving People in practice
In recent months, various studies were conducted to gain insight into the sporting and social value of the European Indoor Athletics Championships. Through the Social Activation Program (MAP), more than 400 activities were organized in the run-up to the event for diverse target groups, such as primary school students, athletics clubs, the elderly, and people for whom participation is not always possible. For example, the organization distributed 250 athletics boxes with teaching materials to all 51 municipalities in Gelderland and had mobile athletics tracks in various locations.
For the first time in the history of the European Indoor Athletics Championships, para-events were included in the competition program. There was also a grandstand for visually impaired and blind people with live commentary, and families with limited financial means could attend the event for free. The events motto “Moving People” (getting people moving) was thus put into practice for everyone.
With this event, we have shown how top-level and grassroots sports strengthen each other
Thanks to the European Indoor Athletics Championships, sports in Gelderland have become a bit more accessible to everyone.
Deputy for Sports
Record appreciation from visitors
The event, organized by the Athletics Union and TIG Sports & Events, attracted full stands for 4 days. Research by the MOVES program (conducted by HAN on behalf of the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS)) shows that visitors rated the tournament on average 9.1. Nearly a third of visitors from outside Gelderland stayed overnight in the region, and 80% of foreign guests say they want to return to Gelderland sooner because of the positive experience. Former top athlete Dafne Schippers looks back proudly on the event and the results achieved as tournament director:
We wanted to be more than a sports event. We wanted to touch, inspire and connect people. We succeeded – the energy was unprecedented: on the track and beyond.
