The skating marathon ‘The Four of North Holland’ is in full swing. Riders from the Top Divisions of the Netherlands skate 4 marathons on 4 consecutive days at 4 ice rinks in North Holland. What does this event mean for North Holland and attracting young talent? Four ambassadors share their stories.

The multi-day skating marathon is back. And where better than North Holland? With the most artificial ice skating rinks, skating clubs, and skating federation members, North Holland is the skating province of the Netherlands.

“When I was little, there used to be more 4- or 6-day marathons organized across the country, but they slowly disappeared. I think it’s really cool that the province and the KNSB (Royal Dutch Skaters Association) take this so seriously,” says ambassador Wisse Slendebroek (20).

Nice Variation

Ambassador Tessa Snoek (26) is also happy with the addition of ‘The Four of North Holland’ to the skating calendar: “I personally think a multi-day event fits marathon skating better. We are ultimately challenged. It’s a nice variation from the usual Saturday races. Otherwise, it’s all just the same.”

Not only is the event valuable for individual skaters, but also for the ice rinks and the sport in general, says ambassador Mats Stoltenborg (33): “North Holland has 4 beautiful ice rinks. They get extra visitors during such an event. And I think that through ‘The Four of North Holland’ we can get even more people skating.”

Inspiring Youth

Besides the official races, various activities are organized leading up to the marathon for young and old, families, and skaters with disabilities. Some ambassadors have also given skating clinics to enthusiastic children and parents. “It’s nice to connect with the youth and inspire them to start or continue skating. I love letting them experience how beautiful the sport is.” Do the kids look up to him a bit? “I obviously skate a lot faster, and they all love that. I also invite them to come watch the races. They like cheering for someone they skated with.”

It’s important that children have role models, says Sofia Schilder (19). “Good examples inspire others. I used to look up a lot to the older group. That’s why I now also coach myself. It’s very sweet when kids say they want to be like me.” Sofia’s ultimate tip for young talents: “Get a treat at McDonald’s when you set a personal record. I always go for the Spicy McChicken.”

Talent Book

To make such sports dreams come true, the Province of North Holland and the Yvonne van Gennip Talent Fund work together to support young athletes and connect them with their environment. For example, through the Talent Book North Holland. This is a 100% free crowdfunding platform where young athletes can share their stories and raise money for their future. Financial obstacles should not be a barrier.

Sofia herself has used the Talent Book to save for, among other things, new skates. This summer she achieved one of her goals thanks to donations from sponsors. “Some people think you don’t need money anymore if you skate for a big team, but unfortunately that’s not the case.”

Important Fund

The other ambassadors also notice from their own experience that not much money circulates in marathon skating. Tessa: “I put a lot of time and energy into marathon skating, but I don’t get much financial return. I don’t have enough sponsors to make a career out of it. I work part-time alongside it, but don’t earn enough to buy a house. That’s why such a fund to support athletes is very important.”

Want to know more about The Four of North Holland? Also read the article Magical marathon skating in North Holland.