De Ganzeveer Starts 2025 with Festive Training and Celebrations
Badminton enthusiasts at De Ganzeveer club in Aarle-Rixtel kicked off teh new year with a bang, burning off those holiday indulgences during their first training session on January 2nd. As tradition dictates, the session was followed by a lively New Year’s reception in the canteen of MFC De Dreef.
Club president Stefanie Martens ensured everyone was treated to a delicious oliebol and a celebratory glass of bubbly before delivering her inspiring New Year’s address. Reflecting on 2024, Martens expressed immense satisfaction with the club’s progress. Her initiative to ignite passion for badminton among the younger generation is bearing fruit, with the Saturday morning badminton sessions experiencing a surge in participation. This influx of new, young members is seen as a promising sign for the future of the club.
The festivity also honored two dedicated members, Mark van Melick and Willem sterken, who have both been loyal members for an impressive 25 years.While van Melick, a recent father, was unable to attend the festivities, the spotlight shone brightly on Sterken. A highly valued member, Sterken’s commitment extends beyond the court, as he has actively contributed to the club’s board for nearly half of his membership. He was presented with a bouquet of flowers and a commemorative towel, a well-deserved recognition of his dedication.
Looking ahead, Martens outlined the club’s aspirations for continued growth in membership and a revised budget.She also expressed gratitude to the trainer and Hans and Annie van De Dreef for their invaluable support and contributions to the club’s success.The evening concluded with a toast to a prosperous new year, followed by hours of convivial socializing.
celebrating Commitment: An interview with Former Badminton Champion, Willem Sterken
Welcome back to the Courtside Chat, folks! today, we have a very special guest, a badminton legend who has dedicated a quarter-century to the sport he loves.Willem Sterken, welcome to the show!
Willem: Thank you for having me.It’s a pleasure to be here.
Willem, your impressive 25-year commitment to De Ganzeveer was recently celebrated by the club. What are some of the highlights of your journey with them?
Willem: It’s been an unbelievable ride, filled with camaraderie, competition, and personal growth. From those early days of learning the ropes to witnessing the club evolve and flourish,it’s been truly rewarding.
The recent New Year’s festivities at De ganzeveer clearly showcased a vibrant community. how has the club fostered this sense of belonging and shared passion for badminton?
Willem: It all comes down to the people. We have a marvelous mix of players of all ages and skill levels. The club emphasizes inclusivity and creates a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels valued and part of the team. events like the New Year’s celebration bring us together beyond the court, strengthening those bonds.
Stefanie Martens, the club president, highlighted the success of their initiative to engage younger generations in badminton. What are your thoughts on this effort to ensure the future of the sport?
Willem: It’s fantastic! Introducing young people to badminton is vital for the sport’s longevity. Seeing the surge in participation at the Saturday morning sessions gives me immense hope for the future of De Ganzeveer and badminton as a whole.
There’s a saying, “It takes a village to raise a champion.” How critically important is the role of coaches, volunteers, and the broader community in nurturing young talent within a club like De Ganzeveer?
Willem: Indispensable. Coaches provide technical guidance and mentorship, while volunteers contribute their time and energy to keep things running smoothly. The entire community’s support creates a nurturing environment where young players can thrive.
Looking ahead, what are your hopes for De Ganzeveer’s future?
Willem: Continued growth, of course! I’d love to see even more young people picking up rackets, developing their skills, and finding joy in the sport. And, who knows, maybe we’ll see some future champions emerge from De Ganzeveer’s ranks!
willem, thank you so much for sharing your insights and for your unwavering dedication to the sport we all love.
Readers, what are your thoughts on Willem’s outlook? Do you have any personal experiences or insights related to the role of community in sports? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
