JANUARY 2021

Epke Zonderland ‘The Flying Dutchman’ ambassador of Miffy Moves

Minister for Sport: ‘Share innovations to reach the full potential of sports and exercise’

Representing sport in economic missions of the Netherlands Colophon

This Sportfolio presents an overview of projects brought together by Knowledge Centre for Sport & Physical Activity Netherlands, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport. Browse through the magazine to find a broad and diverse selection­ of national programmes and policies, exciting innovations and ­successful projects that have international ambitions. © January 2021

Editorial staff Photography Jacqueline Kronenburg • Melissa de Bruin • Hans Krudde (cover photo) • Winanda van Zwamen • WVZ Frank Gobel • Ronald Jas (Twiga Communicatie) ­Fotografie (Special Heroes) • Thijs Rooijmans (TeamUp) • Foto copyright KOGA (Olympic track bike ­Tokyo 2021) • Gerben Pul Design (Swim ABC) • Maurits van Hout • Shutterstock­ • Knowledge ­ Yolanda Exoo - Exoo grafisch buro - Amsterdam Centre for Sport & Physical Activity Netherlands • and photography with courtesy of the organisations mentioned in this Sportfolio Print A limited edition is available in print - for economic missions Published by of ministries and other purposes - at the Knowledge Centre Knowledge Centre for Sport & Physical Activity Netherlands for Sport & Physical Activity Netherlands. www.kenniscentrumsportenbewegen.nl/en/

2 Introduction

Sport inspires us, challenges us. Watching the Dutch team play at the Paralympic and Olympic Games and seeing them break records, motivates people to become better at what they do. In sports and in everyday life.

Even more important: being active together with other people, outside or inside, is a lot of fun. You get to know other people and might learn new things. This could be during a stroll in the park with a colleague or during hockey practice with your teammates. Moving together is a good way to enjoy exercise.

During the year 2020, we became even more aware that moving is not only about fun and challenges. Being physically active is also really beneficial for your health. Staying healthy is extremely important in these times, in which we have to deal with the COVID-19 virus. We are faced with the challenges of having to stay at home more often. That means we lose a lot of moments where being active just comes naturally, for example because we don’t travel to work anymore.

If there is an upside to this crisis, it is that we see a lot of innovations to make exercising and staying healthy available for everybody. It is important that we share these innovations, worldwide, to work together and inspire each other to reach the full potential of sports and exercise.

This Sportfolio presents an overview of projects, brought together by the Knowledge Centre for ­ Sport & Physical Activity Netherlands. Projects that showcase opportunities to join forces. I hope this overview will inspire many new and successful ­international partnerships.

Tamara van Ark Minister for Sport

3 JANUARY 2021 - TABLE OF CONTENTS

2 Colophon 14 Sports innovations in the spotlight 3 Introduction Sportinnovator Minister for Sport Tamara van Ark 16 TeamUp: activities for conflict-affected children 6 A sporting nation is growing and changing Unicef NL/War Child NL/Save the Children Knowledge Centre for Sport & Physical Activity 17 Miffy Moves gives children a head start for the rest Netherlands of their lives 8 National Sports Agreement DutchGymnastics Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport 18 Sharing cycling expertise worldwide 9 Special Heroes: discover that being healthy can be fun Dutch Cycling Embassy Special Heroes Netherlands 19 Digitally improving skills in PE class 10 The main organisation for organised sports Windesheim University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands 20 Sports innovation in the Netherlands: successful NOC*NSF by cooperation 11 High Performance Centers for elite athletes Sportinnovator NOC*NSF 21 Roadmap Sustainable Sports attributes to Paris 12 Game Changer project Tokyo 2020/2021 Climate Agreement NOC*NSF Knowledge Centre for Sport & Physical Activity Netherlands 13 Sharing knowledge and data on sports injuries 22 New track bike helps Dutch Olympic Team to get medals VeiligheidNL Delft University of Technology

13 12 11 15 23 Cross-fertilization between sports industries and 31 Changing the world of sports with social impact projects academia More2Win A4SEE Alliance for Sport Engineering Education 32 Introducing a new Knowledge Agenda Sport and Exercise 24 Connecting Dutch sports industry to partners abroad Knowledge Centre for Sport and Physical Activity NL Orange Sports Forum 33 Teaching children to swim safely with Swim ABC 25 WorldCoaches trains football coaches worldwide Nationaal Platform Zwembaden | NRZ KNVB/Royal Dutch Football Association 34 New model for creating physical activity-friendly cities 26 Examples of inclusive sports and PA in the Netherlands Knowledge Centre for Sport and Physical Activity NL ‘Come, join me’ offers new perspectives - Life Goals: sport 35 Thermo Tokyo: Beat the heat as a participation instrument - Unique Sports maps Radboud University Medical Centre supply and demand of disabled sports - OldStars - 36 Fund enables disadvantaged children to Serious acceptance of LHBTI+ in sports participate in sports 28 Citius Altius Sanius, injury-free exercise for everyone Youth Sports & Culture Fund Netherlands Delft University of Technology 37 Creating space for children worldwide 29 The new public-private sports platform: SportsNL Johan Cruyff Foundation Ministry of Foreign Affairs/Netherlands Enterprise 38 World2Win (beach) volleyball in Senegal Agency RVO NEVOBO, NOC*NSF 30 Equal opportunities for all children to do sports 39 Knowledge Centre helps improve quality of sport Krajicek Foundation and PA Knowledge Centre for Sport and Physical Activity NL

31 26 19 33 A sporting nation is ­growing and changing Ouderenfonds

In the Netherlands, the needs of athletes are changing due to increased age and prosperity, and a lack of time. More than half of the Dutch population exercises regularly. More and more, athletes choose to be active in self-organised sports.

In recent years, the sports industry Youngsters have been exercising less 6,3 million athletes use the facilities has become larger and more diverse. in the past 10 years, probably due to of 6,600 commercial sport providers Sports for the elderly is a growing the popularity of online games, social (such as fitness, swimming pools, dance sector, youngsters seem to participate media, and other challenges. schools, riding schools). Health, fitness, less. This is the state of the Dutch and weight loss are important motiva- sporting nation in a nutshell. For better health and fun tions for these people to exercise. The Netherlands boasts 28,000 sports 30% of Dutch people exercising No fewer than 8.8 million Dutch clubs; 23,000 of which are affiliated combine one or more physical people (exceeding half the population) with one of the 100 sports associa- activities, either organised or self-­ participate in sports at least once a tions. Together, all sports associations organised or in a commercial setting. week, 15% of the Dutch even exercise have 5.2 million members. In addition more than 4 times a week. 24% of the to their sporting motivation, these Increasing sports participation is a Dutch never exercise. They have a lack athletes also come for health reasons crucial goal for Dutch governing of time, do not feel healthy enough, or and fun, to a lesser extent for sporting bodies, NOC*NSF (main organisation they consider family or hobbies to be performance. for organised sports in the Netherlands) more important. 8.2 million athletes mainly participate and POS (the Platform for commercial Overall sports participation in the in sports using public facilities such sport providers). Netherlands is stable, but the share of as parks and forests or do sports at the elderly is growing strongly. Partly home. A total of 11,000 km of hiking Most favourite branch of sport because Dutch population is aging, but trails, 37,000 km of cycle paths, The number of members of all sports also because relatively more people and 36,000 hectares of recreational clubs has been slightly declining over over 65 take up sports or exercise. areas are available for them. the past 10 years, despite growing

6 diversity and new entrants such as long track speed skating and para-­ anglers. Associations with sports swimming received the most medals, activities suitable for the elderly, such the gymnasts and road cyclists as golf, walking, and swimming, have the least. Female elite athletes seen membership growth in recent participate more in elite sport than years, but triathlon is also a popular 10 years ago and have won more grower. Associations for racket sports medals than men in recent years. (tennis, squash, and badminton), but Paralympic elite athletes also achieve also for winter sports and equestrian more medals than regular elite sports, see declining membership athletes and are in the top 10 of the numbers. Paralympic Games. The 3 million people exercising at a fitness club define fitness as the Watching sports largest branch of sport. Their share 59% of the Dutch watch sports in the has stabilised since 2013 after a long media at least once a month, especial- period of rapid growth. The relative ly men and the elderly. Despite the newcomers in group sports, such as internet, television is still the most boot camp, yoga, and kickboxing, are popular medium. Women watch still growing. Due to the popularity of sports less through the media than walking and cycling, clubs that offer men. Popular media sports for men these sports are also taking a part in are football, Formula 1, and cycling. activities, of which 1,8 billion on the growth of members. Women watch skating and swimming commercial sports providers and more often than men. 1 billion on contributions, catering Dutch elite sports costs, and other costs at sports clubs. The Netherlands wants to belong to 45% of the Dutch have attended a The public sector spent 2,5 billion euros the 10 best sports countries in the professional sports event at least once on sports in 2018, of which the local world. Financial contributions to elite in the past year (excluding 2020). 33% authorities accounted for the majority sport from the Ministry of Health, of men attend elite sporting events at (2,2 billion), which was mainly spent Welfare and Sport have therefore least monthly, 12% of women do so as on sports facilities and sports and grown in 10 years. Since 2013, more well. Young people attend sporting recreation facilities in the open space. money has gone to 8 successful events more often than older people. From 2008 onwards, expenditure on Olympic sports. this has decreased by an average of The Netherlands is currently in the top The sports market 1% per year, while the use of public 10 of the Winter Olympics, but not yet Total expenditure on sports in the facilities for sports has increased. in the top 10 of the Summer Games. Netherlands in 2018 was 5,7 billion Since 2012, the growth of medals won euros. 2,8 billion of this was spent by Source: Sports Branch Report Netherlands, KPMG 2019, commissioned by NL Sportraad has decreased slightly. The athletes of athletes themselves on sports (National Sports Council) Paul Bence Paul

7 National Sports Agreement

The National Sports Agreement is an instrument used to define mutual ambitions on sport on a national and local level. At each level, representatives of the sports sector and government are involved and, if appropriate, representatives from the field of education, health, and infrastructure.

The National Sports Agreement is an example of how Local sports agreements ambition on sports policy is determined in the Netherlands. Since the National Sports Agreement was reached in 2018, It is an instrument initiated at a national level by the local governments have been working on local agreements national government, the sports sector (NOC*NSF), with the local sports sector. Every municipality could and the Association for Sport and Municipalities (VSG). request €15,000,- to appoint a sports formateur. The role Together, they have set ambitions and with a clear division of the sports formateur is to bring local parties together of responsibilities, they are now working on reaching to establish a local sports agreement. After that, every their goals. municipality can apply for extra funding to enroll the local agreement, for which a total of €30 million is guaranteed by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport. In two years, Six topics more than 95% of the municipalities now (2020) have reached their own local sports agreement. The National Sports Agreement focuses on six topics: Collateral advantages • Inclusive sports in the spirit of ‘no one left behind’ The process of defining local sports agreements has had • Sustainable (and accessible) sports infrastructure a positive side effect: not only more cooperation between • Vital sports providers stakeholders with clear goals and ambitions was developed, • Positive sports culture but there has also been an increase of cross-sectoral • Enjoying physical activity from an early age cooperation, at a local level. The stakeholders that are • Elite sports and sports events (performance, involved in the agreements represent the sports sector innovation, and experience) and the government, but we also see representatives of the education, health, and infrastructure sector.

Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport www.sportakkoord.nl [email protected] +31 (0) 70 340 79 11

8 SPECIAL HEROES: Discover that being healthy can be fun

Special Heroes stimulates a healthy and active lifestyle for children with physical or mental with disabilities. Finally, we challenge disabilities. By creating companies to adopt corporate social programmes in the areas responsibility in this domain. of sports and exercise, Results work and participation, Over the past five years, 40,000 and nutrition and health, children with disabilities, 400 special The I am Professional Assistant pro- we enable the children education schools, 500 sports clubs, gramme focusses on strengthening to experience the fun of 180 municipalities, and 50 companies the participation, self-confidence, and in the Netherlands have participated talents of young people in special sports and health. in Special Heroes. 15% more young education and practical training. people with disabilities participated Participants grow into a role as a in sports and 85% of the special volunteer professional assistant. education schools adopted the They learn on the job how to perform Special Heroes programme on a their tasks and work together in a long-term basis. variety of environments, such as sports clubs, greeneries or a cultural Special Heroes offers with the Special Heroes works closely together organisation. programme Sport Heroes children the with NOC*NSF, the main organisation chance to get acquainted with a sport for organised sports in the of their choice and join a sports club. Netherlands, Knowledge Centre for The programme works closely with Sport & Physical Activity Netherlands, sports clubs nearby schools. Coaches and the Dutch Council for Primary from sports clubs offer different Schools (PO-Raad). types of sports in the school. This creates the opportunity for children to get acquainted with sports, and then later continue exercising and practicing sports as a member of a sports club. Additional programmes Healthy Heroes is a new stimulation We guide schools in implementing the school programme that motivates programme and in developing a children in special education schools network of qualified sports clubs. We to experience healthy eating and a train and coach sports clubs to work healthy lifestyle. It is not meant as a with youth with disabilities. We also commitment or an obligatory course advise municipalities in developing but as an independent, personal choice policies and plans for young people that either can be tasty or fun or both.

Special Heroes Foundation www.specialheroes.nl [email protected] + 31 (0)6 43 004 706

9 Netherlands Olympic Committee * Netherlands Sports Confederation

Netherlands Olympic Committee*Netherlands Sports Confederation (NOC*NSF) is the main organisation for organised sports in the Netherlands. NOC*NSF has 90 affiliated members (77 governing bodies and 13 associated organisations) representing nearly 24,000 sports clubs with a total of 5,2 million members.

NOC*NSF is the umbrella organisation for sports in the strategy and activities. TeamNL has put Dutch sports in a Netherlands. It is our mission to create optimal circum- firm place within the top 10 of the international medal stances for everyone who aspires to take part in sport and ranking. This is due to the high standard of the five national physical activities, from recreational sportsmen and training centres (Centra Voor Topsport en Onderwijs), sportswomen to elite athletes and from people with an innovation, research, and cooperation with national and impairment to volunteers and fans. It is our ambition to international partners. keep sports an essential part of Dutch society with high sports participation numbers and excellent performances Worldwide sports partner of our elite athletes. We are dedicated to developing sports worldwide even further. We are committed to cooperating with current and Diversity and inclusion new partners to improve international sports and sports As the national Olympic and Paralympic committee and as activities, and to serve as an advocate for good governance, the main organisation for sports for all in the Netherlands, inclusion, and sustainability. we have a long and profound experience, extensive knowledge, and a comprehensive network in the With our social inclusion projects such as the Game Netherlands and abroad. Changer project in Tokyo and the World2Win project in Senegal, we use the power of sport to make the world The sports participation percentage in the Netherlands is a better place. among the highest in the world. We focus on people who are, for any reason, not physically active, we remove In the field of sporting events, we readily share our barriers to join a club (Open Club model), and embrace knowledge of innovation of advanced world and continen- diversity and inclusion. Paralympic sports and people with tal championships to make events worldwide even more impairments are an integrated and important part of our attractive for athletes, fans, event organisers, and media.

NOC*NSF www.nocnsf.nl [email protected] +31 (0)26 483 44 00

10 High Performance Centres for elite athletes

NOC*NSF, the main organi- sation for organised sports in the Netherlands, strives experts. The HPCs allow athletes to The sports federations remain for an optimal support of live, train, and study in one location in responsible at all times for the elite a high performance sports culture sports and training programmes. In this Dutch elite sports athletes. with the best coaches and experts. triangle, we train approximately 1,500 Therefore, it has developed talented and elite athletes in full-time an elite sports infrastruc- For the five HPCs, NOC*NSF works sports programmes every day. together with five regional organisa- ture, in co-association with tions, mostly public parties, which, in Delivering elite athletes and regional sports federations. addition to the deployment of financial social relevance The infrastructure exists resources and the appointment of The elite sports infrastructure forms of five High Performance experts, take on all the coordination the foundation for the training of for the daily training setting of athletes and the top 10 ambition of Centres (HPCs) that each talented athletes and elite athletes. NOC*NSF. Despite the high level of strive to create optimal They are also responsible for housing, satisfaction among sports associations conditions to support the providing meals, transport and - elite with the daily training setting, the national high performance sport-friendly - education for athletes. deployment of experts, and other facilities offered by HPCs, the sports and talent pro- We have developed five fields of facilitation of top sport requires grammes from the sports expertise: nutrition, strength & continuous attention and improve- federations. conditioning, (para) medical services, ment to remain the best. performance behavior, sport science & innovation. An HPC supplies lifestyle, The challenge of the HPCs is also to study, and (after) career coaching develop social relevance. This includes The responsibility for vision and policy for both athletes and coaches. the responsibility to achieve a safe lies within NOC*NSF as a sports The coordination of all facilities and sports climate in a continuously umbrella organisation. However, we amenities requires good coordination changing societal playing field. Elite work together with regional parties to between NOC*NSF, the sports sport sets an example in this respect. facilitate HPCs and deploy the right associations, and the HPCs. Our rich network us the opportunity to share knowledge and experience with other environments in which children develop and learn.

Sharing visions and knowledge internationally NOC*NSF is a member of ASPC (Association of Sports Performance Centres). On this platform, we share our knowledge and expertise. Many other Olympic Committees have visited one of the Dutch HPCs in the last years. We are very pleased that we can share our vision and strategy about high performance management.

NOC*NSF/ Team NL www.nocnsf.nl [email protected] + 31 (0)26 483 44 00

11 Game Changer project Tokyo 2020-2021

The National Olympic Committee/Netherlands Sports Federation (NOC*NSF) wants to contribute to a long-lasting social legacy of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in the host cities of the Games. Therefore, NOC*NSF launched the Game Changer project for the 2020 Games in Tokyo. This project supports the integration of people with an impairment in Japanese society.

Better integration of people with Sports, by all means, are an excellent way to provide an impairment is one of the main people with an impairment with more self-confidence, to objectives of the Tokyo 2020 organis- facilitate their integration in society as well, and to ing committee and the Japanese strengthen and enhance the contact between individuals government for the 2020 Games. with and without impairment. NOC*NSF is pleased to share this experience and knowledge with Japan and, NOC*NSF is the main organisation for therefore, the organisation has decided to put the integra- organised sports in the Netherlands. tion of disabled people at the heart of its social project. In the last few decades, NOC*NSF and Dutch federations have gained a Inspire and motivate people with an lot of experience in the field of impairment Paralympics and sports for people Since 2017, at least twice a year, Dutch experts share with an impairment. their knowledge and experience with regards to sports for people with an impairment with sports clubs, schools, and governmental bodies in Tokyo. The knowledge transfer focuses on the strengthening of these organisations, enabling them to offer, realise, and independently implement a sports programme for individuals with an impairment in the future.

Also, Dutch Paralympic and Olympic athletes travel regularly to Tokyo to inspire and motivate people with an impairment, their families, teachers, coaches with their personal stories, their passions, and their Paralympic or Olympic accomplishments.

In the Game Changer project, NOC*NSF closely cooper- ates with the Japan Sport Council (JSC), the Dutch Embassy in Japan, and three Tokyo districts: Edogawa City, Nishitokyo, and Adachi City. Due to the postponement of the Tokyo Games, the project will run until 2021. During COVID-19 travel restrictions in the Netherlands and Japan, the Game Changer project will continue remotely through online workshops and meetings.

NOC*NSF www.nocnsf.nl [email protected] +31 (0)26 483 44 00

12 VeiligheidNL shares knowledge and data on sports injuries

VeiligheidNL (the Dutch Consumer Safety Institute) strives to implement evidence- and practice- players. Independent research showed empower and strength- based interventions for athletes, that up to 85% of the athletes that en participation in coaches, physical therapists, and used these interventions changed physicians to prevent sports injuries. their behavior towards injury sustainable sports by We report the results in scientific prevention. providing athletes, publications and campaigns. The coaches, physical effective interventions of VeiligheidNL More about VeiligheidNL therapists, and physi- can be adapted for specific countries, VeiligheidNL has been collecting and whilst collaboration with international monitoring data on sports injuries in cians with an insight partners would facilitate thorough the Netherlands since 1986. Based on into healthy and safe evaluation and implementation. these data, VeiligheidNL provides the behavior to prevent Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and sports injuries. Results Sport and national sports federations VeiligheidNL has a significant track with advice and strategies for the record of grants for sports injury prevention of sports injuries. research. Examples of interventions VeiligheidNL collaborates with VeiligheidNL gathers yearly epidemio- we developed: the interactive App universities and sports federations. logical data on injuries sustained ‘Strengthen your ankle’, and various Experts from VeiligheidNL are involved across all sports in the Netherlands. warming-up protocols for field in national and international projects Subsequently, we develop and hockey-, volleyball-, and soccer related to prevent sports injuries.

VeiligheidNL www.veiligheid.nl/organisatie/about [email protected] +31 (0)20 511 45 11

13 Dutch sports innovations in the spotlight

The Sportinnovator programme stimulates innovation that is not only beneficial for elite athletes, grass roots sports, and for people who don’t exercise enough, but can also generate economic, societal, and sportive benefits. Take a look at a couple of these Dutch innovations.

Steering assistance in handle- by some 30% between 2000 and 2010. Serious bike bars prevents cyclist from accidents are often the result of cyclists losing control of the falling bicycle, and, in many cases, the cyclist is an elderly person. The Dutch road safety institute SWOV Technical University Delft and the bicycle manufacturer has established that the total number Royal Gazelle have developed a prototype of a bike with of serious traffic accidents is still smart steering assistance. That may help to reduce the decreasing every year. However, number of falls with bicycles, using a technique that is also accidents involving cyclists increased used in top track cycling. The bike has a smart motor in the handlebars that provides steering assistance if the cyclist is in danger of falling.

Outdoor sports accommodations providing solar energy Up to 80% of outdoor sports accommodations is left unused during daytime. Wouldn’t it be great to use this huge amount of surface to make the city a more durable place to live in?

With Solar Carpet it is possible to cover artificial grass surfaces with flexible, rollable solar panels. In this way, sports playfields (and many other surfaces) become multi-functional: used for sports and generating solar energy. When it’s sporting-time, the system simply rolls up and is safely stored in a casing on the edge of the field.

14 The world’s first circular climbing holds Research indicates that the global market for climbing holds will double in the next ten years. Only in Europe, 800 climbing halls are estimated to be built in this period. Greenholds climbing holds will be the world’s first circular climbing holds used for the Olympic climbing sport. The aim is to make the infrastructure of the climbing gyms more sustainable. At the end of the lifecycle, 100% recycling of the product will be possible. Not only the product but also the circular business model will become non-disruptive.

Prototypes are now being tested and market introduction is foreseen in 2021. The ambition is that the climbing holds that will be used at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics will be circular.

Non-chemical weed control on sport playfields How can one develop automatic electrical weed control for sports and recreation areas without the use of chemicals and emissions to air, soil, and water? This question contains some important elements in ‘greening’ the sports.

through wear and tear, the spread of artificial fiber, as well as the infill granules that artificial grass produces, is harmful to the environment. The Sweco company is dedicated to the mitigation of this environmental impact. At the end of its life cycle, the synthetic turf should be disposed of sustainably. Sweco has taken the lead in forming a consortium of expert service providers to solve this problem. Through this consortium, a unique type of fiber and artificial grass surface is being developed, consisting of fibers that, under the right conditions, can be composted at the end of their usage.

Together with the University of Wageningen, Ramm BV develops recognition with camera technology and plant-specific pictures. With ‘deep learning algorithms’ the computer can recognize the five most common weeds, in a velocity of five to twenty frames per second. With the use of Rootwave technology, the weed is killed with electricity. The technical features are combined on a machine running behind a compact tractor.

The world’s first compostable artificial grass surface The advantages of using synthetic turf for outdoor sports are manyfold. Sporting on an artificial turf pitch is possible 24 hours a day and all days of the week without a resting pause that natural grass playfields need. However,

Sportinnovator www.sportinnovator.nl/english [email protected] +31 (0)70 349 54 24

15 TeamUp: movement-based activities for conflict-affected children

TeamUp is a psychosocial support intervention of structured movement-based activities for children (affected by conflict), developed by a coalition of War Child Holland, Save the Children, and UNICEF Netherlands.

TeamUp was developed in 2015 to respond to the social- emotional needs of refugee children in the Netherlands. A proven positive track record in 5 countries, the interest of external partners, and millions of children exposed to traumatic events due to conflict allow the TeamUp inter- vention to be of added value for programming by others.

Offering stability through sports sessions TeamUp offers activities based on play, movement, and body awareness for conflict-affected children aged 6 to 18. Each activity has a specific goal, related to a social-emotional or psychosocial theme. The non-verbal movement-based facilitation by trained facilitators allows all children regard- Evaluations less of their language to participate. The structured In 2019, 4,358 refugee children participated in TeamUp in sessions following the principles of ‘same place, same face, the Netherlands of which the majority lived in reception same time’ create a much-needed sense of stability and centres. In 2018, an evaluation carried out at Dutch normalcy for the children. TeamUp aims to improve reception centres concluded that TeamUp is seen as an the psychosocial well-being of children to strengthen their outlet of high energy and strong emotions, as a time to resilience. This is realised through four main outcomes: experience normalcy, and a way to strengthen relationships • Children have an increased feeling of safety and with other children. In 2019, an evaluation at Dutch schools protection concluded that TeamUp supports children to practice • Children experience an increased sense of social regulating their emotions, to make new friends, and to connectedness enjoy movement activities that they can look forward to. • Children have a positive outlook • Children are better able to self-regulate their Expanding internationally emotions and behaviour. Since 2017, TeamUp was gradually implemented in Uganda, Sri Lanka, the occupied Palestinian Territories and Colombia. The methodology was contextualized and translated. In-country staff were trained and they cascaded the training to facilitators of TeamUp sessions. A mentoring system was set up to support facilitators. The sessions are provided in safe spaces, schools, and youth community groups. Specific TeamUp resources were developed for a Covid-19 context. In 2020, preparations were made to roll out TeamUp to Sweden and with SOS Children’s Villages to Italy, Greece, Burundi, Ethiopia, Somalia, Somaliland, Rwanda, and Nigeria. The ambition is to further scale the intervention for other partners to implement the intervention as well.

War Child, Save the Children, UNICEF Netherlands www.warchildholland.org/projects/teamup/ [email protected] +31 (0)20 422 77 77

16 Miffy Moves gives children a head start for the rest of their lives

The Miffy Moves way children learn responsibly with a and which gives the children a lifetime programme consists of a lot of variation. This is essential to be of benefits in sports, at school, with able to move and exercise well. friends, and at home. series of exercise classes They also learn social skills when for children aged 2-6 playing together, waiting for their turn, Miffy Moves abroad years. Every week, and dealing well with each other. And Miffy Moves was introduced in the children have fun doing did you know that good and varied Netherlands in 2014. Today, more exercise is the most important tool in than 50,000 children have earned physical exercises and the development of their brains? This their certificates. We have worked simultaneously learn way Miffy Moves contributes to the with more than 400 sports clubs, fundamental movement health and happiness of all children. primary schools, and day-care centres to achieve this. We would like to and social skills. In 2014, The programme has been carefully export Miffy Moves to other coun- the programme was compiled by Dutch Gymnastics and is tries. Since children abroad face developed by the Royal only given by specially trained coaches. similar challenges, and obesity is a Dutch Gymnastics After completing the lessons, the growing issue, the importance of children will receive a Miffy Moves exercise for a longer and happier life Federation (KNGU) in certificate that shows what they have is universal. Please contact us if you close cooperation with learned. A certificate to be proud of, want to find out more. sports clubs, schools, and Olympic medalist gymnastics Epke Zonderland is an ambassador of Miffy Moves a day-care centre. Now, the time has come for Miffy to move abroad.

We playfully teach children how to move correctly and encourage them to develop their locomotor, cognitive, and social skills. Children who learn to exercise and who are provided with a basic knowledge of sports at a young age will grow up healthier, and will be happier and more balanced in their later lives.

In the Miffy Moves classes, toddlers and preschoolers will for example learn how to balance, roll, hop, jump, catch, swing, throw, and kick. All basic movement components are covered through fun exercises and games. This Thijs Rooijmans

KNGU/Dutch Gymnastic www.miffymoves.com [email protected] +31 (0)55 505 87 00

17 MAKING THE WORLD CYCLING-FRIENDLY Dutch Cycling Embassy

As the Netherlands is Worldwide, the Netherlands has the physical (when possible), for all those a well-known cycling highest bicycle use and provides the interested in learning about it, and widest range of cycling know-how, with experts who wish to share this nation, many cities and products, and infrastructure. knowledge. professionals all around the world are interested With over 40 years of experience in Sharing cycling expertise in learning how the bicycle policy and practical bicycle worldwide solutions, the Netherlands are a We want to share our expertise and Dutch managed to build unique international testing ground. technology, being the world’s number such livable cities where The Dutch Cycling Embassy (DCE) one cycling country, to facilitate cycling is safe and effi- has been working for the past 10 years cycling worldwide as the most on transferring Dutch expertise to modern, efficient, and sustainable cient. This is especially cities, professionals, or activists method of transport. important in these hard abroad who are interested in learning The growing interest in Dutch practices times during which our more about how their cities can in urban transport is mainly due to a mobility habits are being become more cycling-friendly. Our transition of the transport sector goal is that ultimately everyone can towards sustainability and the redis- questioned due to the use this active mode of mobility as covery of the bicycle as a means of pandemic. their way to move around their cities. transport. Cycling not only contributes significantly to urban mobility, road To do so, the DCE organises webinars, safety and emission reductions, but study tours, workshops, online classes has also positive impacts on the and coaching projects, both virtual or economy, social inclusion, and health.

Dutch Cycling Embassy www.dutchcycling.nl [email protected] +31 (0)15 202 61 16

18 Digitally improving skills in physical education

Can movement games, video registration, and other digital tools improve the quality of Physical Education (PE) lessons? Windesheim University of Applied exercise activities. Exercises incorporate visual feedback Sciences Zwolle investigated how digital from the trainer as well as feedback given by the system. applications can be implemented They can be tailored through a combination of the most fitting exercises and setting the right parameters. In this successfully in PE-lessons. project, expertise on embodied gaming and instruction and pedagogy in sports training are combined.

Many Dutch PE teachers embrace new technologies in The master’s eye (2019-2023). This programme researches their lessons but are wondering about the effectiveness. to what degree the perceptual skills of PE teachers are Windesheim University investigated the effects of digital determined by professional experience, and to what applications in the Digitization in PE class project. degree, and how, these skills can be enhanced by deliberate Researchers investigated, for instance, how PE teachers practice. Accurate perception is a crucial pre­requisite for can use digital observation tools in their lessons. A tool like providing adequate learning support to the students as video tagging can be integrated into PE, stimulating the well for reliably grading their performances. analysis of tactical situations in games by students. The programme focuses on new insights into the degree, Such technology supports teachers in the selection of and the nature of the perceptual skills of PE teachers, and appropriate video images that are also directly available on effective methods for deliberate practice to enhance in the learning situation. The effectiveness and user- the perceptual skills of PE teachers. friendliness of such tools were examined to foster games teaching processes and to create rich learning situations Life Experience Through Sport (LETS) (2020-2023) is a for students in team sports settings. research programme in cooperation with Wageningen University, that aims to examine how socially vulnerable Pedagogical boundaries adults transfer newly learned skills and competences in Technological applications have their pedagogical bounda- a sports context to other life domains, and what societal ries: they should never negatively interfere with the initial costs and benefits these programmes bring about. objectives of PE. Also, cameras and images should not disrupt the pupil’s motivation. Technology in PE class should adhere to the pedagogical vision that we shouldn’t create an idealized image. Pupils should believe in their ability. The goal is to teach children to move better and motivate them to incorporate physical activity into their lives permanently. The pleasure of improving movement is crucial. Technology should serve to increase this pleasure.

Other research projects Smart Sports Exercises (2018-2021) is a collaboration with the University of Twente, focusing on new forms of (volleyball) sports training. Athletes perform training exercises in a ‘smart sports hall’ that provides high-quality video display across the surface of the playing field. A digital-physical training system offers tailored interactive

Windesheim University of Applied Sciences www.windesheim.com/research [email protected] +31 (0) 26 388 847

19 Sports innovation in the Netherlands: Successful by cooperation

In 2019, Sportinnovator launched a challenge for funding innovative projects for inclusion on playgrounds.

Knowledge and innovation In elite sports, we want to hold a ‘the healthiest region in the world’. in sport are priorities on permanent position in the world’s top Therefore, we aim at sustainable, 10 major sporting events. Science and long-term innovation cooperation the Dutch sports agenda. technology account for a major between member states. In the past years, the proportion of our exports. We strive national programme to be one of the top 5 knowledge A wide range of highly qualitative Sportinnovator created a economies in the world. These innovation centres is supported to ambitions provide a positive breeding increase (inter)national cooperation, network of highly qualita- ground to boost knowledge and creating new opportunities for tive innovation centres innovation in the field of sports. starting innovations and realizing a and helped to set up strong climate for innovation in sport. Sportinnovator national and international Sportinnovator is the Dutch national Besides that, Sportinnovator stimulates cooperations and various programme for sports innovation. innovation through providing funding, innovation projects. The It focusses on: using various financial instruments. In launch of the unique digital • Increasing the economic and this Sportfolio you will find examples societal value of sports innovation of innovation centres and projects platform Sport Data Valley • Increasing participation in sports/ supported by Sportinnovator. in 2020 enables coaches healthy lifestyles and researchers to analyse • Winning more medals at important Successful by cooperation and safely administer elite sports events. Sportinnovator has developed a The programme is led by a team of ‘quadruple helix’ model for innovation research data on sports prominent Dutch leaders in business, in sports. The innovation projects and physical activity. government, science, and sports and involve close collaboration between is supported by the Ministry of local authorities, businesses, scientists, Health, Welfare, and Sport (VWS). and sports institutions. An example of The Netherlands are a sports loving Sportinnovator contributes to the this is research carried out in 2020. nation: no other country in Europe ambitions of national policy on sports The study aimed to gain insight on how counts relatively more sports club and physical exercise by focusing on gyms and other indoor sports areas members than the Netherlands. innovations within the Dutch National can remain open to athletes in a A web of 26,000 sports clubs covers Sports Agreement. responsible way, thus diminishing the country, as well as many pitches We endorse the European the risk of Covid-19 contamination and play areas. Commission’s ambition to become during sports in enclosed areas.

Sportinnovator www.sportinnovator.nl/english [email protected] +31 (0)70 349 54 24

20 22,000 sport clubs and sport entrepreneurs

5.7 10,000 million sqm sports facilities

Main goal Roadmap: in 2050 all sports accommodation in the Netherlands low-carbon.

CONTRIBUTION TO PARIS CLIMATE AGREEMENT Roadmap Sustainable Sports

In January 2020, the Dutch sports sector took an important step in its contribution to the Paris Climate Agreement. The Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, NOC*NSF (National Olympic Committee/The Netherlands Sports Federation), the provinces, and a representation of Dutch sports entrepreneurs have signed the Roadmap Sustainable Sports.

The Roadmap will help and motivate all Dutch circularity, and environmentally friendly municipalities and sports clubs to become fully field management (including Integrated sustainable, and make their sports facilities and Pest Management) locations future-proof. With this Roadmap, the • These task forces regularly meet with sports sector shows that it is committed to the municipalities and suppliers. Paris Agreement, and that it will take the lead in making social real estate future-proof. For The Knowledge Centre for Sport & Physical instance, in 2050 all sports accommodations Activity Netherlands has launched an online must be low-carbon. platform offering inspiring case studies and best practices, tools, and news articles. In Early results November 2020, we have even launched an Even though the Roadmap is a long-term innovative virtual game for policy advisors instrument and only started in 2020, we can about ‘greening the sports’ in municipalities. already share some early results: Our team of experts advises and informs • More than 600 sports clubs have already owners of sports accommodations. We share signed up for a (subsidised) counseling process our knowledge through webinars, in news • Task forces have been formed for the three articles, and at trade fairs. We also participate pillars of the Roadmap: CO2 reduction, in the three task forces.

Knowledge Centre for Sport & Physical Activity Netherlands www.duurzamesportsector.nl [email protected] +31 (0)318 49 09 00

21 New track bike helps Dutch Olympic Team to get medals

The creation of a completely new track bike is one of the most visible Dutch innovations for the Olympic Games in Tokyo 2021. Also, the project is a great example of the collaboration between industry, academia, and sports.

The Royal Dutch Cycling Federation (Koninklijke 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. This time, new Nederlandsche Wielrenunie, KNWU), bike track bikes will be designed and developed for manufacturer KOGA, Delft University of the entire Olympic cycling team – specifically Technology (TU Delft), Pontis Engineering, tailored to each cyclist. and Actiflow have jointly created a completely new track bike for the Dutch Olympic Team. The cyclists in the national team selection and The bike is predicted to contribute to achieving their training staff have played an active role good results at the Olympic Games in Tokyo in in the development of the new bike. Each 2021. It has been designed to deliver an optimum Olympic cyclist will receive a custom-made combination of lightweight and aerodynamics KOGA track bike. The frame and handlebars as well as to correspond to the individual have been adapted to the individual cyclist’s characteristics of the cyclist and his/her length and posture, ensuring the stability of particular discipline. The bike is expected to the bike. This is important because sprinters yield an advantage of 0.5 seconds during the in particular exert unprecedented forces team sprint event. on the bike at peak times at the start or in full sprint. Cyclists and staff attribute to the development The project is a good example of the added value KOGA had already developed a special bike, the of a close collaboration between industry, Kimera, for Olympic cyclist Theo Bos during the academia, and elite sports. © KOGA

KOGA, KNWU, TU Delft, Pontis, Actiflow www.knwu.nl/project-tokyo [email protected] +31 (0)6 53 339 131

22 A4SEE PROJECT

Cross-fertilisation between sports industries and academia

The EU-funded A4SEE project seeks to promote education in sports engineering by establishing inno- vative curriculum projects, joint courses, and modules. Higher education institutes can adopt new ideas, methods, and processes that improve the quality of teaching and multi-disciplinary cooperation, by courses in sports engineering could partnering with world-leading companies in sports (and should) provide education on equipment, data analytics, and sports organisations. emerging technologies (e.g. big data, self-healing materials, Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, The relatively young academic field of Speeding up innovations etc.) or societal changes (e.g. demo­ sports engineering is growing rapidly, The diverse range of technology graphics, sedentary behaviours, due to the growth of the economic disciplines however slows down the and so on). Furthermore, university impact of sports and sports equip- innovation process. Cross-sectoral graduates from sports engineering ment. The industry and the services cooperation between universities, curricula need to possess the around it are rapidly growing, and as research centres, industries, and sports appropriate innovation and entre- such the need for sports engineers is bodies could accelerate entrepreneuri- preneurial skills (also ‘transversal growing as well. al behaviour, and improve the innova- skills’ or ‘21st-century skills’) to meet tion climate. Effective knowledge the needs of the sports industry. The currently growing demand for transfer is inhibited by differences in skilled sports engineers, and its growth, culture and language between industry Consortium create both a challenge and opportuni- and academia. This also hampers We have created a consortium of ty for education. The global sports academic staff to educate students academic and industrial partners industry is diverse, fragmented, and with appropriate transversal skills. to create an outstanding programme rapidly changing. It is a large industry of both fundamental and applied (comparable to aerospace) and an A4SEE joins industry and teaching as well as practical experi- early adopter. It comprises numerous sports engineering ence in both summer and winter different sectors and therefore relies The A4SEE programme hopes to assist schools, an apprenticeship in compa- on innovation and technology that in cross-fertilisation between industry nies, and a well-coordinated thesis spans many disciplines. Sport is known and academia, to ensure that the rapid programme. By this, the consortium to play a major positive role in societal changes in the sports industry are can answer the increasing demand challenges such as health, demographic mirrored in sports engineering of the industry of well-educated change, and inclusion. education. For example, university sports engineers.

TU Delft Sports Engineering Institute www.a4see.com [email protected] +31 (0)15 278 91 39

23 ORANGE SPORTS FORUM Connecting Dutch sports industry to partners abroad

organisations, and institutes to come OSF in China: We Parks into contact with parties abroad. OSF has started structural coopera- OSF’s network currently consists of tion with China on behalf of the more than 300 companies and consortium Dutch Football Partners institutions, and works closely with the (DFP) that consists of Dutch compa- Orange Sports Forum Dutch government and foreign nies. In the multi-year programme (OSF) is a platform for missions (embassies and consulates). Partners for International Business internationally promoting Ultimately, the forum aims at optimal (PIB), the consortium, in cooperation use of opportunities abroad. Orange with the Dutch government, focuses companies, organisations, Sports Forum also serves as a beacon on opportunities for the development and institutes connected that attracts parties from abroad. of football in China. to Dutch sport. It involves The consortium will use its expertise ‘hardware’ (infrastructure, We do this through a twin branch of to stimulate and contribute to the OSF, Holland Sports & Industry. HS&I development of football in Western accommodation, financing, focuses on foreign partners with an China. In this context, OSF has advice) and ‘software’ interest in the Dutch market and organised various incoming missions (training, coaching, nutri- brings them into contact with the best from China, as well as various trade Dutch companies, organisations, and missions and trade fair participations. tion, education, sports institutions in the field of sport. Our One of the results of this program is marketing). network includes a broad variety of the development of ‘WePark’, an companies, sports federations, and innovative and interactive Sino-Dutch organisations with state-of-the-art concept that can be applied in urban One of OSF’s most important roles is knowledge, products, and services development to promote healthy to identify opportunities in and for relating to sport. We are therefore lifestyles. The first WeParks were other countries, and to provide a the go-to resource for information opened in Chengdu, Chongqing, platform that allows Dutch companies, in the field. Foshan, and Wuhan.

Orange Sports Forum www.orangesportsforum.com [email protected] 31 (0)85 401 19 77

24 WorldCoaches trains football coaches worldwide

Training football coaches life skills. Life skills include communi- in their own neighbour- cation and creative competences as well as critical thinking, dealing with hood or village, so that emotions, and solving problems. These they can be trainers and are all skills that children learn by role models in their own playing football, and they can apply relationship. Since 2009 we have local communities. the same skills in their daily lives. trained over 15,000 World Coaches (24% of which female coaches) and Identifying social issues reached more than 600,000 children. That, in a nutshell, is the main philoso- WorldCoaches trainers can also make a Anyone with a passion for football phy behind WorldCoaches, the difference by addressing relevant local and the right mindset can become a international social programme themes during their training sessions, World Coach. Motivated and talented launched by the Royal Netherlands such as crime, health issues, diversity, coaches can develop their skills to an Football Association (KNVB) in 2009. and girls’ and women’s rights. advanced level or even become an The programme is based on the Educating people on these subjects can instructor themselves. That is how we KNVB’s long-standing experience and sometimes be challenging. create an independent network of expertise in coaching and training. local knowledge. For this reason, the WorldCoaches The WorldCoaches programme programme teaches its pupils what it Organisation focuses on three strategic goals: means to be a role model, how to WorldCoaches is one of the five pillars • Personal development identify and analyse social problems, of KNVB’s international strategic • Social cohesion open them up for discussion, and refer agenda. KNVB has teamed up with • Health. their target group to the local institu- various organisations to generate the Football connects people anywhere tions. This is how WorldCoaches pupils biggest impact. The KNVB invests in in the world. WorldCoaches plays its can become role models and confidants the programme, with the Dutch part by inspiring children and guiding that guide children on and off the pitch. Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Health, them in a natural, playful way in Welfare, and Sport, and works together sports, and in their social behaviour. Results with local organisations, other football The activities, organised by local The WorldCoaches courses are held in associations, companies, and interna- World Coaches, not only focus on countries with which the Netherlands, tional non-governmental organisations football, but they also serve to nurture the KNVB or one of its partners has a as UNICEF and War Child.

WorldCoaches www.knvb.com/themes/worldcoaches [email protected] +31 (0) 88 027 50 50

25 EXAMPLES OF INCLUSIVE SPORTS AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN THE NETHERLANDS

Life Goals: sport as a participation instrument

The Life Goals foundation stimulates vulnerable people to participate through sport. We focus on people who are stuck in life for whatever reason: homeless people, people who suffer from addiction, refugees, teenage mothers, former prisoners, or people who suffer from mental health issues. They all share the desire to get a better grip on their lives. The foundation uses sport as a means to make people move again. OldStars Participating in sport within the regular infrastructure With the OldStars programme, the Dutch is hard for these groups. Therefore, we developed the National Elderly Foundation strives for senior-­ necessary tools to engage local municipalities, clubs, friendly sports environments by starting sports and healthcare institutions in facilitating sport activities clubs and introducing adjusted sports activities for these groups. We believe in local ownership by such as walking football, basketball, hockey, educating local organisations and professionals to handball, rugby, tennis, and table tennis. adequately apply our methods. We have educated more than 200 professionals to become a Social Sports OldStars allows elderly people to participate, meet new Coach. They are the motor of our programmes and they people, do adjusted exercises, and become active at a apply methods that focus on the personal development sports club as a trainer, group leader, or volunteer. of participants and help them tackle challenges such Fun, the social aspect, and autonomy can be tackled as homelessness, addiction, illiteracy, and criminal and brought back to the life of elderly people through behaviour among youth. In recent years, our coaches participation in sport. OldStars’ philosophy is founded have directly contributed to the development of over on the following three pillars: 5,000 people. • Physical fitness: health risks are reduced by enabling Contact www.stichtinglifegoals.nl seniors to participate with an adjusted fitness level. Any OldStars training has a format that is supported by the Athletic Skills Movement strategy that chooses several movement forms, instead of the form that fits the sport. OldStars also organises special days for trainers. • Social fitness: the programme lowers the threshold by free demonstration days for the elderly. Trainers can see the social part as part of the training. Also, the elderly can become OldStars trainers themselves. • Strategic fitness: OldStars is a national movement that serves as a catalyst. We stimulate local cooperation and use the network of sports associations to reach more sports clubs. We also support the organisation of national events to facilitate the movement towards senior friendly sports clubs. Contact www.oldstars.nl

26 Alliance Equal Playing 4.0. for serious accept- ance of LHBTi+ in sports

The Alliance Equal Playing 4.0. is ‘Come, join me’ offers new a cooperation of organisations to advance acceptance of LHBTi+ perspectives people in sport. The John Blankenstein Foundation is a Many people can’t enjoy sport because of physical or social partner, along with the Football inabilities, even if they would want to. In the project ‘Come, join association, the field hockey me’ (Dutch: ‘Ik neem je mee’) these people are linked to sport association, NOC*NSF, and the ambassadors, in order to lower the threshold for people towards Foundation Pink Soccer a sporting life. Fanclubs. The alliance is support- ed by the Ministry of Education, Sport and physical exercise are not accessible to everyone. Some people Culture and Science (OCW) and experience obstacles to exercise due to health problems or physical or mental the Ministry of Health, Welfare disability. Some have little money or do not feel comfortable in a sports and Sport (VWS). In November environment. The exercise programme ‘Ik neem je mee’ tries to link 2018, the Alliance Equalplaying people with a physical or mental disability or other issues that reduce 4.0. was launched with a national their possibilities to sport to a sport ambassador, who occasionally helps conference meeting. The and motivates. purpose for 2028: complete The sport ambassador is an athlete who knows what it is like to enjoy sport acceptance of LHBTi+-people in and likes to help someone else to experience this as well. Sport ambassa- sports in the Netherlands. dors vary from elite athletes who perform at the Olympic or Paralympic Contact: www.johnblanken Games in Tokyo, to competitive athletes who just want to contribute. steinfoundation.nl Contact www.nocnsf.nl

Unique Sports maps supply and demand of disabled sports

‘Unique Sports’ is an online sport community that immediate surroundings, and sports clubs that connect maps the supply and demand of sport for the people them to information and to each other. with disabilities. Since 2016, 3,400 clubs, 5,600 activities, and 3,750 locations have gathered on the platform already. Our They can be helped by Unique Sports (Dutch: Uniek Sporten) goal is to reach 1.7 million people with disabilities and to find a suitable sport in their region. Unique Sports consists their environment to get them to exercise structurally. of a website and an app for people with disabilities, their Unique Sports offers services to support people with disabilities in starting or continuing sport such as crowdfunding, sport advice, tools, accessibility of accommodations, and much more. The online community received around 1 million unique visitors from the start of the campaign in September 2017.

Unique Sports forms regional partnerships that promote sport for people with disabilities. These partnerships support sport providers who want to offer sports for the disabled, and also help people with a disability to find the right sport. In this way, athletes and sports providers can connect. Contact www.unieksporten.nl

27 Citius Altius Sanius: Injury-free by technological aid

The Citius Altius Sanius people at all performance levels to engage in and sustain physical activity project is a six-million- through sports and fitness, to improve euro research programme their performance, and to prevent that aims to develop injuries by providing informative and technology to prevent motivating information using advanced sensor and data science techniques. The P1 - Sensor Technology for unobtru- sports injuries. information provided is tailored to the sive athlete monitoring individual user, using his or her P2 - Data science for injury prevention The programme is led by the Delft characteristics, and effective, person- and performance improvement University of Technology and VU alized feedback methods. P3 - Personalized feedback that works Amsterdam and consists of 9 projects P4 - Show your muscles! Fitness & and more than 20 partners including Wearable measurement strength training universities, sports organisations and equipment P5 - Run-Work-Sleep-Repeat: 24/7 companies. The programme is one of Innovative unobtrusive wearable monitoring for healthy running the largest research projects in sports sensors (in clothing, and advanced P6 - Reducing hamstring injuries in and technology worldwide. cameras) will be used to estimate the soccer and field hockey using In 2016, 121,000 people in the mechanical and physiological load. smart sensor shorts Netherlands sought emergency care Data science techniques will relate P7 - Breaking the high load - bad for sports injuries. Every year, there the load to injury mechanisms and coordination multiplier in are 4.5 million injuries in the provide individual training advice, overhead sports injuries Netherlands, accounting for 5 million either to stimulate the athlete to P8 - Monitor and prevent thermal euro in direct medical costs. Half of prevent injuries or to return to sports injuries in endurance and these injuries could potentially be and exercise quicker. Six applied Paralympic sports prevented through effective support projects are defined incorporating the P9 - Fall prevention in elite and and self-management. In a new, activities that are associated with consumer cycling. wide-ranging research project, most injuries in sports such as fitness, universities, businesses, and sports football, tennis, running, and cycling. Different usability organisations are set to join forces to Sports associations, sports medicine, reduce this large number of sports Combining fundamental and and physical therapy, but also many injuries with the help of technology. applied research small-to-medium-sized companies are The CAS programme combines three involved to commercialise this Data-driven prevention fundamental research lines (P1-P3) innovative approach for recreational Citius Altius Sanius (Latin for: quicker, with six applied research lines (P4-P9) and elite athletes, as well as for higher, healthier) aims to stimulate focusing on specific sports and injuries: rehabilitation patients.

TU Delft Sports Engineering Institute www.tudelft.nl/sportsengineering [email protected] +31 (0)15 278 91 39

28 The new public-private sports platform: SportsNL

Changing the Game together! With this slogan, sports organisations, the business community, civil society organisations, and Dutch government are which cooperation provides now internationally joined in SportsNL. much-added value. For example, the international network of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and of Dutch top sectors have an interna- the opportunity for coordination and Health, Welfare and Sport offers tional strategy, but the international consultation, but it has also formu- a great deal of opportunity to help interests surrounding sports were lated a joint vision, supported by all Dutch sports organisations interna- not yet organised as such. Through members: in 2030, the Netherlands tionally, but also to build relationships regular coordination with various will be seen worldwide as the partner and identify opportunities for Dutch private and public organisations, for an inclusive, sustainable, and business and knowledge institutions. SportsNL ensures that the various innovative sports experience. This is international initiatives reinforce expressed and translated into social Social themes each other. sports programmes, sustainable and Also, sports offers the opportunity to Major sports events such as the innovative sports products, and work on various social themes such 2024 Olympic Games in Paris may infrastructure. as health and inclusivity. Through a be interesting from a sporting and multi-year approach and cooperation, diplomatic point of view; they also Identify opportunities SportsNL wants to ensure that provide an opportunity to Dutch Collaboration on an international international cooperation around the companies to offer technologies or level is certainly not new. For exam- sport is better organised, creating services to build the Olympic Village ple, various international programmes more sustainable cooperation and or the new Olympic swimming pool. on sports have been organised in relationships with regards for mutual Under the leadership of the Ministry recent years, for example in Brazil, international interests. The SportsNL of Foreign Affairs, in 2020 SportsNL India, Qatar, and China. network offers an opportunity for has been developed with various However, more profit can be made various network partners to join public and private partners. Not only by developing a strategy and making existing initiatives or to share new does the new sports platform offer joint choices for the countries in initiatives with the network.

TU Delft Sports Engineering Institute www.tudelft.nl/sportsengineering [email protected] SportsNL www.sports-nl.com [email protected] +31 (0)88 042 42 42 +31 (0)15 278 91 39

29 Krajicek Foundation creates equal opportunities for all children to do sports

The Krajicek Foundation motivates youth in deprived urban areas in the Netherlands to develop an active and healthy lifestyle. Children who regularly do sports and play outside are happier, healthier and learn to develop their talents.

Results neighbourhood instead of a celebratory Currently, we have 126 Krajicek ceremony. He was touched by the Playgrounds in 41 municipalities with sincere joy but also shocked to learn a reach of over 5,600 children. In the that many of the youngsters had never current academic year, we support 200 held a tennis racket before. He learned Our approach is unique. In collabora- youngsters via our Krajicek Scholarship that for many it was not common to do tion with municipalities, we create Programme and, in total, we have sports and play outside. Right then Krajicek Playgrounds where children awarded over 2,150 scholarships since and there, he decided to try and make can do sports and play outside in a the start of the programme in 2006. a positive change in their lives. socially safe environment, close to home. They are guided by profession- Over 20 years of experience Contact al community coaches and by our The Krajicek Foundation was founded Through our activities, and in collabo- Krajicek Scholars: youngsters from in 1997 by former tennis player ration with our partners, we want to the community who, in return for Richard Krajicek. After his victory at contribute to the positive develop- a scholarship, regularly organise Wimbledon in 1996, he decided to ment of Dutch youth, and thus an activities on their Playground. organise a tennis clinic in a deprived active, social and connected society.

Krajicek Foundation www.krajicek.nl [email protected] +31 (0) 6 22 930 340

30 More2Win changes the world of sports with social impact projects

More2Win believes in the well-known quote from Nelson Mandela: “Sport has the power to In our work, there are three major sports, and commerce and that we change the world”. As far things you can expect from us: always reflect some form of pay for • We ensure that we demonstrate success or pay for impact. as we are concerned, the (y)our impact unique strength of sports • We provide a correct story. Impact is that sports can make first, transparent, but also profitable • We not only provide a creative Projects we are proud of the difference in every concept, a new strategy, or a plan social theme. Whether it of action, we are also doers who • Side-events for children at the concerns a more inclusive support you with the realisation Archery World Championships society, public health, or of your project. in 2018 in the Netherlands, for instance Archery birthday a more sustainable world: Social impact is key parties for poor children and sports can contribute. We have realised social impact ‘Stay Focused exam trainings’ projects at many sporting events all for youngsters around the world. We cannot, there- • Work in progress: Women More2Win was founded in 2014, with fore, accept that this potential is Volleyball World Championship attributions to the FIFA World Cup being hugely underused in many areas. in 2022 in the Netherlands: 2014 and the Rio Olympics in 2016 Whether it concerns sporting events, making the world champion- as our first major projects. Our goal top sports policy, or sponsor campaigns: ship a more sustainable event, is to ensure that everyone who is the social impact is rarely the goal, but creating regional impact professionally involved in sports can is often seen as a by-catch. • Work in progress: in the bid put the social value of (elite) sport first. team for Formula E racing in We support every organisation that We are a social enterprise on social Eindhoven; creating regional believes in the power of sport to impact. We have an entrepreneurial legacy impact programs manage the impact, from governments attitude in everything we do. This regarding innovative mobility and federations to event organisers means that we can make creative and a sustainable living and sponsors. connections between social themes, environment.

More2Win www.more2win.com [email protected] +31 (0)6 20 962 999

31 Introducing a new Knowledge Agenda Sport and Exercise

The Knowledge Agenda Sport and applied sciences and other research Exercise was a unique collection of institutes together formed an all research relevant for sports and infrastructure for internationally physical exercise. It expressed a clear renowned research. Furthermore, vision and strategy, had strong Dutch data science entered the In 2016, the first Dutch content, and was future proof. It international top. Knowledge Agenda emphasized a broad multidisciplinary Because of these developments and Sport and Exercise was approach: from individual psycho­ positions, we want to develop state- ­­ published. The agenda logical processes to physiological of-the-art knowledge and innovations, measurements, smart materials, especially with the countries that aimed to develop and virtual reality. organise the Olympic Games. The sustainable partnerships A new aspect was the vital role of big aim was and is to start a long-term between universities, data and data science as a connecting programme and an international and cross-disciplinary link between network based on the Olympic cycle. universities of applied the three main themes of this agenda: sciences, sports, local 1 Improving performance New Knowledge and and national government, 2 Exercising a lifetime Innovation Agenda 2040 and industry. Now, Dutch 3 The values of sport. In 2020, at the end of the agenda, we The Knowledge Agenda also served want to build further on what has been experts are developing a international ambitions. It closely achieved. At this moment, we are new Knowledge Agenda followed developments in the United developing a mission-driven knowledge with a longer time States and the United Kingdom. and innovation agenda for sport perspective and more and exercise. A group of experts is Data science at the top currently working on a new agenda scientific and innovative Based on these developments, the with a time perspective of 20 years activities. Netherlands developed into a major or more. player in this field over the last five years. Universities, universities of These experts are supported by NOC*NSF, the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, and the federation Launch of the first Knowledge Agenda in 2016 at the Utrecht University Auditorium of sporting cities. If we succeed in defining this new Knowledge and Innovation agenda 2040 for sport and exercise, the Netherlands will have a very strong, competitive, and durable research programme on a national level, leading to even more knowledge and state-of-the-art innovations in the field.

The main principle of the new agenda remains the same: investing and performing together, based on a multidisciplinary collaboration with a vital role of big data and data science as a connecting and cross-disciplinary link between the three main themes.

Knowledge Centre for Sport & Physical Activity Netherlands www.kenniscentrumsportenbewegen.nl/en/ [email protected] +31 (0)6 51 072 868

32 Teaching children to swim safely with Swim ABC Gerben Pul

11 % of the total surface of the Netherlands is open water area. Hence, Dutch children are taught to swim at a very early age. The Swim ABC is a successful national teaching programme that contributes to

­lowering the risk of drowning. 98% of Dutch youngsters has awarded more than 15 million nowadays possess one or more swimming diplomas. swimming diplomas to children and adults. Drowning as a cause of death has declined from 9.6 per 100,000 ‘Learning to swim well is learning a skill The Swim ABC is a child-friendly inhabitants in 1925, to 0.5 per for life’. This proverb is embedded in teaching method, with safety in a 100,000 inhabitants in 2016. Dutch culture: most Dutch children prominent role, which provides all the are taught how to swim at a young age. necessary skills to survive and move Research is important The most critical aspects of learning to around freely in different kinds of water. It is critical that any improvements in swim are being able to save yourself It consists of three National Swimming quality concerning water safety and from drowning and being able to enjoy Diplomas: A, B, and C. Once children swimming skills, including the Dutch recreational swimming safely. have earned these three diplomas, they National Swimming Diploma Swimming is also a healthy and will be aware of the safety aspects of Examination Regulations, are also based pleasant form of exercise for every- swimming in modern swimming pools on up-to-date knowledge and research. one. Safety, health, and fun go and in open water. Project NL Zwemveilig is responsible together when swimming. for gathering knowledge on water 15 million diplomas safety, drowning, and learning how to The Dutch National Water Safety The Swim ABC provides children with swim. The knowledge contributes to Council (Nationale Raad Zwemveilig­ increasing skill levels with each the greater goal: attaining the highest heid) aims to ensure that every diploma. Lessons focus not only on possible level of water safety for the inhabitant complies with the Dutch teaching the various swimming Dutch population. NL Zwemveilig is National Standard for Water Safety. strokes but also on moving under­ coordinated by the NRZ in coopera- This is the Dutch national directive water in a safe and free manner in tion with various partners, including that indicates the desired level of swim different situations. Since 1985, the the Ministry of Health, Welfare and safety of the Dutch population. Dutch National Water Safety Council Sport (VWS).

Dutch National Water Safety Council www.nrz-nl.nl [email protected] +31 (0)318 83 02 50

33 New model for creating physical activity-friendly cities

A Physical Activity Friendly Environment (PAFE) facilitates and stimulates people to be physically active or to do sports. Many Dutch cities tend to include PAFE in their city policy. The Knowledge Centre for Sport & Physical Activity Netherlands designed a model that helps to create these safe, activity-friendly environments.

bicycle highways for commuting and ‘Orgware’ concerns the process of recreational purposes underway. (participatory) designing, building, and maintaining (citizen participation, The Netherlands has a dense sports Developing activity-friendly ownership, management, maintenance, infrastructure: there are approximate- cities: PAFE model enforcement, finance, monitoring & ly 21,1 sports facilities per 10,000 The Knowledge Centre for Sport & evaluation, policymaking). inhabitants. In each area code, at least Physical Activity Netherlands has Hardware is the physical environment three different kinds of sports developed instruments (a model, for which we have developed an facilities can be found. The average a scan, an indicator, a roadmap, indicator: SPORT+. It contains 6 distance between home to the nearest a whitepaper, and a theme website) sub-indicators: sports facility is just over 600 meters. and published more than a hundred 1 Sports accommodations/venues: No wonder that the Dutch, compared articles on Physical Activity Friendly pitches, sports halls, gyms, pools; to other Europeans, are most satisfied Environment about good and best 2 Playgrounds: schoolyards, with their sports facilities (European practices, policy examples, and skatepark, outdoor fitness Commission 2014). scientific research results. 3 Open space: green areas, parks, The PAFE-model consists of software, exercise gardens for the elderly, In many Dutch municipalities, ‘orgware’, and hardware. and play ponds initiatives are growing to create an Software contains a supply of activities 4 Routes for walking, cycling, horse environment that promotes physical (interventions, programmes, events), riding, inline skating, mountain activity. PAFE-policies are part of coaching (community sports coach, biking municipal city planning strategies. youth workers, volunteers), and 5 Touristic & recreational areas: The Dutch can choose from roughly communication (information, forest, heath area, dunes, beach 35,000 km of cycle paths, and more campaigns, websites, apps). 6 + Proximity public services (schools, supermarket, church)

International participations Many cities consider a Physical Activity Friendly Environment to be a goal in their policy (also due to the new National Strategy on Spatial Planning and the Environment in which health is a key factor. The Knowledge Centre has participated on an international level in Active City projects of WHO (a technical package for increasing physical activity), HEPA, TAFISA (Active Cities), and physical activity-friendly environment project IMPALA (Finland, Germany, I, Est, A, NL).

Knowledge Centre for Sport & Physical Activity Netherlands www.allesoversport.nl/beweegvriendelijke-omgeving/ [email protected] +31 (0)318 49 09 00

34 Thermo Tokyo: Beat the heat

Elite athletes regularly Second, individualised cooling solutions for different sports were train under extreme developed, optimised, and implement- ­environmental conditions. ed into a training regime. The Thermo Tokyo Consortium develops Third, the feasibility and effectiveness of a novel heat acclimation protocol strategies for safe and were evaluated, which aids elite optimal performance in athletes to incorporate this more easily these circumstances. during their taper phase. Thermo Tokyo outcomes are currently implemented in the Olympic training schedules of a The combination of endogenous heat large group of TeamNL athletes. production during exercise with exogenous heat stress due to high air Interdisciplinary research temperature and humidity places The consortium is an excellent the athlete at risk. He or she could example of interdisciplinary research develop heat-related disorders or and innovation, evidenced by a strong severe performance loss. Both are and fruitful collaboration between highly undesired and underline the universities, professional sports need for effective mitigation measures. associations, elite athletes, coaches, The Thermo Tokyo consortium small and medium-sized, and the developed and performed personal- Dutch Olympic Team. ised heat stress tests to determine the individual vulnerability of an athlete Shortly, the consortium will develop for hyperthermia and performance and implement novel strategies to loss. Based on the outcomes of these allow safe and optimal exercise tests, the athlete and coach were performance in extreme environmen- advised on which mitigation measures tal conditions, such as expected during fitted best to their profile. the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games.

Radboud University Medical Centre www.radboudumc.nl/thermotokyo [email protected] +31 (0) 24 361 36 74

35 Fund enables disadvantaged ­children to participate in sports

Sport & Cultuur Nederland) helps by Ministry for Health, Welfare and paying the contribution fees, sports Sport, municipalities, and sponsors. outfits, sports equipment, and Private partners include the Rabobank creative equipment for children of Foundation, Vriendenloterij (a Dutch families living below the poverty national lottery), and Zilveren Kruis threshold in the Netherlands. Families Health Insurance. The Fund has a Since 1999, the Youth do not have to apply for this grant small national office and 43 local Sports & Culture themselves. That is being taken care funds that work closely together with Fund Netherlands has of by professionals, such as teachers, more than 240 municipalities and offered children from youth care workers, or the family’s 8,000 intermediaries. doctor. These intermediaries are key disadvantaged families to the success of the Fund. More applications a chance to participate In recent years, applications have been in sports and creative More about the Fund growing steadily by more than 10% activities. The Youth Sports & Culture Fund per year. In 2019, we offered 81.936 Netherlands receives funding from children a chance to play sports or the Ministry for Social Affairs, the participate in creative activities. About 10% of the pupils in every average classroom in the Netherlands is growing up in a family with money worries. These children miss opportu- nities to enjoy sports and creative activities, which are very important for their physical, mental, and social development and have a lasting impact on their lives. The Youth Sports & Culture Fund Netherlands (Dutch: Jeugdfonds

Youth Sports & Culture Fund Netherlands www.jeugdfondssportencultuur.nl +31 (0)20 695 78 48 [email protected]

36 JOHAN CRUYFF FOUNDATION Creating space for children worldwide

By playing a sport, children can discover their talents and build their self-confidence. Dutch national soccer hero Johan Cruyff’s dream was to help children to move up in society. The founding of the Johan Cruyff Foundation in 1997 made it possible to connect children through sport. It has supported and developed sports activities for children all over the world ever since.

The Johan Cruyff Foundation focuses to the children’s needs: they have derived from the 14 rules of Johan on children in need. Through sports a special playing surface, include Cruyff, which can be found on every projects for children, we create space adjustments to the background, and Schoolyard14 and Cruyff Court in the for these children: space to grow, to feature adapted sports equipment. world. These are rules of conduct to make friends, and to improve physical which everyone must adhere and hold and mental health. Space to become Schoolyard14 each other to account. Themes like who they are. “Playing outside should be a subject at teamwork, creativity, and initiative make school”, was Johan Cruyff’s firm belief. children aware of their responsibility So the Cruyff Foundation came up and how to interact with each other. with a relatively simple solution. Schoolyard14 makes schoolyards Results attractive playgrounds again. It allows With over 270 Cruyff Courts and schools and school children to pick Special Cruyff Courts and more their particular playing fields, which than 500 Schoolyard14’s in over take the form of lines and colored 21 countries, we allow thousands of areas (markings) applied to the ground kids to play. We have also educated and walls. over 300 youth workers and commu- nity sports coaches around the world, 14 rules which have guided over 2,000 A Schoolyard14 and a Cruyff Court youngsters on the Cruyff Courts via The Cruyff Court in Aberdeen (Scotland) are both meeting places. Places where the Heroes of the Cruyff Courts respect, health, integration, self-­ programme. The Cruyff Foundation Cruyff Courts improvement, and playing together develops projects in the Netherlands, Children need a safe place that have a central role. These themes are Spain, UK, Malaysia, and South-Africa. encourages them to play outside. Cruyff Courts provide safe places for getting together, where children learn to understand the importance of togetherness, making friends, discovering their talents, and ­ winning and losing. They carry these valuable experiences with them as they develop physically and mentally, and as they move into society. The Cruyff Foundation also creates Cruyff Courts at institutions for children with disabilities. These Special Cruyff Courts are adapted

Cruyff Foundation www.cruyff-foundation.org/en/ [email protected] +31 (0)20 305 77 66

37 World2Win (beach) volleyball in Senegal

With the project World2Win (beach) volleyball, • build an EU/African network of staff/coaches with potential for NOC*NSF wants to make a significant contribution to further collaboration the development of volleyball in Senegal. We believe • deliver a model for volleyball we can make a change and build a better world through development in Senegal, developed in sport. In this context, we share our knowledge about collaboration with all partners, which can be used by other sports associa- elite sports and sports participation by exchanging tions and countries in the EU/Africa insights with and exploring opportunities in • inspire youth in EU and Africa with Senegalese volleyball. the sport from grassroots to high performance • contribute to sustainable develop- the EU and Africa have joined forces in ment goals with a focus on girls’ this project: empowerment with a programme • the National Olympic Committees called Volleyball4life. from the Netherlands and Senegal • 4 Volleyball Federations: Nevobo Coordination In 2026, the Youth Olympic Games will (Netherlands), Volley Vlaanderen NOC*NSF is responsible for the be the first Olympic event in history (Belgium), Fédération Française de overall coordination of the project. to take place on the African continent. Volley (France), Fédération Hereby we share our knowledge with A special occasion, that we use as an Sénégalaise de Volleyball (Senegal) partners and focus on the management inspiration to build a strong connection development of the Senegalese between the EU and Africa. Aim Volleyball Federation. Besides this, For the coming years, World2Win we provide contacts with international World2Win (beach) volleyball catalyzes development in Senegal and organisations (for example IOC and World2Win is an international project between Senegal and Europe. The EU). Together with the partners, we that establishes relationships between international dimension of the sport work on a sustainable impact based on several EU-partners and Senegal, will be promoted by the support of long-lasting partnerships. Nevobo is focusing on the development of learning mobilities, exchanges, and responsible for technical development volleyball in Senegal. World2Win is knowledge transfer. We will: as well as the girls’ empowerment co-funded by the European Union. • develop staff by exchanges, programme Volleyball4life. The other Six partners from four countries in mobilities and training partners support these themes.

NOC*NSF www.world2win.org [email protected] +31(0)26 483 44 00

38 Knowledge Centre helps ­improve quality of sport and PA

The Knowledge Centre for Sport & Physical Activity Netherlands believes that its expertise can help ­improve the quality and ­effectiveness of sport and physical activity. And therefore­ it can contribute to a society in which people can take part in sports and up-to-date with the latest scientific other physical activity in a proper, safe and enjoyable insights, they have the tools to take sporting performances to a higher level. way, while also having fun. Our ambition We want to be an involved and The knowledge centre ensures Who do we support? committed authority; the ideal that scientific, policy and practical We support community sports partner for professionals, policy­ expertise is made available for use coaches and other professionals in makers and researchers in the by professionals in the field. Such their efforts to ensure that the elderly, Netherlands and abroad. We aim to expertise relates to the importance, people with a disability, and people increase the quality and effectiveness the effects, and the effectiveness of from disadvantaged areas can also of sport and physical activity and sport and physical activity. take part in society. contribute to a vital society in which everyone can take part in sport and We develop practical plans, computer We also support general practitioners physical activity, whatever their level. models, guidelines and methodologies and nurse practitioners who want to We have a strong network of partners, in partnership with universities, help their patients become more stakeholders, other knowledge knowledge centres, policymakers active. We advise teachers who want institutes, sports associations, and professionals in the field. We to motivate their pupils to take part in municipalities, and universities also share inspiring ideas, innovative a sport or other physical activity. (of applied sciences), both national examples and practical experiences We help policy advisors to develop a and international. Their - and your and stories. We help find answers to future-proof policy for sports clubs - questions guide us in our work. questions about sport and physical with professionals from related fields. activity, or to initiate new research. We also support sports administrators Funding for the work of the This helps professionals achieve their to create a safe sporting environment Knowledge Centre Sport & Physical objectives and provides them with the that is based on fair play and respect for Activity comes mostly from the motivation to apply their knowledge all. Elite athletes also profit from our Ministry of Health, Welfare and in their day-to-day practice. work. By keeping trainers and coaches Sport.

Knowledge Centre for Sport & Physical Activity Netherlands www.kenniscentrumsportenbewegen.nl/en/ [email protected] +31 (0) 318 490 490

39 This Sportfolio presents an overview of projects brought together by Knowledge Centre for Sport & Physical Activity Netherlands, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport. Browse through the magazine to find a broad and diverse selection of national programmes and policies, exciting innovations and successful projects that have international ambitions. Limited edition available in print, for economisch missions and other purposes. January 2021

Representing sport in economic40 missions of the Netherlands