Several prominent figures from the Dutch sports world made a special appeal to the government on Saturday. Louis van Gaal, Sarina Wiegman and Epke Zonderland, among others, believe that more sports should be done in the country despite the corona crisis.
In a large pamphlet, the well-known Dutch people mention various pain points as a result of the current situation, in which, for example, the gyms are closed for months. In addition to Van Gaal, Wiegman and Zonderland, Guus Hiddink, Joop Alberda, Bas van de Goor and professor of neuropsychology Erik Scherder have signed the call.
“The virus shows the importance of a resilient and vital Netherlands. We are convinced that sport and exercise play a crucial role in creating a healthy future for our country.”
“Sports and exercise stimulate the vitality, resilience and development of people and is therefore an important medicine in the prevention of obesity, cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, joint diseases and Alzheimer’s”, it says.
“In addition, sport is of course also fun and challenging to do together. But to fully utilize that power of sport for everyone, things have to change.”
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“Prevention instead of cure”
Professional and amateur sports in the Netherlands have been halted for two months because of the outbreak of the corona virus. In almost all sports, the season has ended prematurely and the competitions will only start again after the summer. The government has banned major events until at least September 1.
“We hereby call on the whole of the Netherlands to join forces and jointly set a dot on the horizon. A dot on which education, health care, the food industry and business, together with sport, are structurally working towards a vital and resilient Netherlands. “
“Sport and exercise should be an important part of our daily lives. At school, at work, at home, at the association or in the gym, but also in the hospital or care institution. Everywhere. In order to work together to prevent instead of healing. “
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