Sport as a Driver for Livability and Inclusion
We are committed to an accessible sports sector for everyone. The European Championships Para-Dressage aligns with this ambition.
Connecting and Inspiring
With the European Championships Para-Dressage, we show how sports can connect and inspire people. In Gelderland, we want everyone to participate: young, old, big or small, with or without a physical or intellectual disability. Because moving is good for everyone. I look forward to welcoming another grand para-event in Gelderland. This will give a boost to the development of disability sports, with all those world-class athletes who will soon be in action as a source of inspiration.
Deputy Sports
These TeamNL riders will compete for medals during the European Championships Para-Dressage:
- Rixt van der Horst with Eisma’s Royal Fonq N.O.P. (Grade III)
- Britney de Jong with Caramba N.O.P. (Grade V)
- Loes Cevaal with Happy Hero (Grade II)
- Tessa Baaijens-van de Vrie with Happy Grace (Grade III)
Activation Program: More Than Just Sports
We find it important that there is a comprehensive social activation program around the events we support. Around the European Championships Para-Dressage, there will be many workshops, networking events, and clinics (a short sports lesson or training). This way, visitors can experience what it is like to participate in sports with a disability. There will also be meetings for policymakers, entrepreneurs, and sports organizations. On Friday, September 5, 2025, we will organize a meeting about adapted sports in the region at the European Championships Para-Dressage. Topics such as regional cooperation, sports aids, and sustainable inclusive sports policy will be discussed.
Audio Tribune and Paralympic Pop-Up Museum
To make the event accessible to everyone, there will be live audio commentary for people with visual impairments. Everyone can listen to the commentary. Through a special link on the website, listeners will receive explanations and more information about the competitions from expert commentators. Visitors are encouraged to bring their smartphones and earbuds so they can enjoy this inclusive experience as much as possible. There will also be a Paralympic Pop-Up Museum on the event grounds showcasing highlights from Dutch sports history. This museum serves as an inspiration for visitors and new generations of para-athletes.