These are the nominees for the Sports Gala!

The municipality awards prizes in the following categories: Female Athlete of the Year, Male Athlete of the Year, Sports Talent of the Year, Unique Athlete of the Year, Sports Team of the Year, Sports Coach of the Year, and Most Socially Engaged Sports Provider.

Nominees

The jury consists of Alderman Ronald Weerwag (Sports), Hans Beukema (sports reporter), Ed Bontrop (manager of Team KPN Sportfonds), Lisa van Belle (Dutch track and road cyclist and Sportswoman of the Year 2024), and Rita Soutendijk (Zoetermeer Actief). They have nominated three entries per category. The athletes, coaches, and sports providers who are in the running to win are listed below in random order:

Sportswoman of the Year: Lies Kneppers (athletics), Milou van Wijk (swimming), Mariëlle Trouwborst (gravel riding, mountain biking, and running).

Sportsman of the Year: Paul van den Berg (fencing), Jeroen van Voorden (cycling), Ferry Wortman (karate).

Sports talent of the year: Jesse Koekkoek (judo), Jolie Fransen (swimming), Jayden Paton (gymnastics).

Unique athlete of the year: Elise Reedijk (karate), Michael Thomas (para table tennis), Dathan Ong (karate)

Sports team of the year: WVZ girls' under-16 relay team (swimming), Mats and Kai Groen (padel), Taverzo (table tennis).

Sports Coach of the Year: Frank Maagdenberg (wheelchair hockey), Patrick Wabbijn (baseball), Wesley Wilbrink (karate/martial arts).

"These nominations demonstrate the sporting talent and strong commitment within Zoetermeer's sporting community," says Alderman Ronald Weerwag (Sport). "We can be proud of that!"

Visit the Sports Gala

The Sports Gala will be presented by Najib Amhali. In addition to the festive award ceremonies, visitors can enjoy various sporting, musical, and acrobatic performances. For more information and to reserve a free ticket, visit www.stadstheater.nl | Sports Gala.