These are the winners of the Sports Gala Zoetermeer

The jury, consisting of Ronald Weerwag (Alderman for Sports), Hans Beukema (sports reporter), Ed Bontrop (manager Team KPN Sportfonds), Bella Overgoor (Sports Advisory Council) and Petra Janssen (vice president ZKV De Meervogels) chose the following winners:

Sports Talent of the Year 2024: Jolie Jansen (swimming)

Jolie Fransen is an exceptional sports talent in swimming. Undefeated last season:

• Dutch Championships (short course): 6 distances, 6 times Dutch Champion - as the only miniature swimmer ever
• Dutch Championships (long track): 4 distances, 4 times Dutch Champion - again the only one with gold at all distances
• Winner of Ranomi Cup against older opponents
• Provincial champion at all distances

With her iron discipline, Jolie trains 5 times a week, often as early as 4:35 in the morning. In addition to her athletic achievements, she excels in her social involvement: she helps younger team members, encourages clubmates and always remains humble. Jolie combines her elementary school with Latin at Erasmus College, where she manages her schedule independently. Her impressive results and commitment make her a role model for many.

Unique athlete of the year 2024: Kimberly Alkemade (sprint)

Kimberley Alkemade achieved amazing performances at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris:

• 100 meters: Silver with a time of 12.70 seconds and Paralympic Record in the series with 12.61 seconds.
• 200 meters: Gold, her first Paralympic gold medal, with a Paralympic Record of 25.42 seconds in the series.

Kimberly's road to the top began after a serious accident in which she lost her lower right leg. Despite this setback, she persevered and developed into one of the fastest paralympic sprinters in the world. Her performance in Paris is a testament to her strength and perseverance, making Kimberly not only a medalist, but also an inspiration to many.

Sports coach of the year 2024: Sannah Boer (gymnastics)

A former top gymnast and now inspirational coach, she has helped her athletes reach their utmost potential. Sannah is more than a coach. She is a mental pillar of support for her athletes, always there when they need her. She is a mentor, a support and an inspiration to all who work with her.

Performance as a coach:

• Bronze medal at World Gymnastics Championships with one of her athletes
• Accompanying two gymnasts to the National Championships, where they won silver and gold.
• Sannah was also involved in the routines of an athlete who competed in Hollands Got Talent.

Own achievements as a gymnast:

• Sannah herself was also a top gymnast, winning gold at the 2016 World Championships.
• In 2019, she participated in the Team World Cup and once again showed her talent.

Sportswoman of the year 2024: Lisa van Belle (track cycling)

Lisa van Belle is a cyclist who impresses on both road and track. This year, she has performed especially brilliantly on the track. Lisa is only 20 years old, but her rapid progress in cycling is remarkable. In a short time she has proven to be not only fast, but also strategically strong in the Madison, one of the toughest parts of track cycling.

• Olympics (Paris 2024): Bronze on the Madison, a fantastic performance in her first Olympic participation.
• World Championships Track Cycling Denmark 2024: 4th place at the Madison
• European Championships Track Cycling Apeldoorn 2024: 5th place at the Madison
• Nations Cup Hong Kong 2024: 3rd place at the Madison

Sportsman of the year 2024: Ferry Wortman (karate)

Ferry is an exceptionally talented and driven karateka who has been an active competitive athlete for many years. With his tremendous dedication, he has achieved much in the world of karate at a young age. Besides his achievements as an athlete, Ferry is also an important mentor for other athletes in his dojo and the Dutch team. His work ethic and discipline are an inspiration to many.

• Dutch Champion 2024
• International Champion in Belgium & France 2024
• West European Champion 2022 & 2024
• Invited as Headliner for Ring Wars New York 2025
• Selected for the 2025 World Cup

Most socially engaged sports provider 2024: Boxing Club Sagi (boxing)

Boxing Club Sagi (BCS) was founded in 2020 in Zoetermeer, Oosterheem neighborhood, and focuses on offering free outdoor boxing and running training, especially for young people. The club offers training for children ages 4 to 8, youth ages 9 to 17, and a recently added 18+ group, to those over 50. BCS focuses on strengthening self-confidence, resilience and discipline, with core values of respect, fun and hard work. Led by skilled and experienced coaches, the club offers not only boxing training, but also physical fitness enhancement and challenges. BCS has a great positive impact on the community by offering free training and supporting young people in their development, both physically and mentally.

Sports team of the year 2024: FC Zoetermeer 1 (soccer)

This team accomplished an exceptional feat in the past season by becoming undefeated champions. The team consists of a mix of young and experienced players, ranging from 17 to 31 years of age, most of whom were trained at FC Zoetermeer. The new head coach was tasked with putting together a team consisting of experienced players and talented youth players. This resulted in an overwhelming result: without a loss the team became Saturday 1 champions. The club believes that when preconditions are in place, results are easier to achieve. One of the preconditions was the purchase of a special player bus, exclusively for the first team, with a unique look that displays the striking landmarks of Zoetermeer and the recognizable '079' logo on the roof.

The player bus was used not only for the team, but also for social causes. The bus was used for Stichting Majo Anja huis, Camping Jethro, for residents with mental disabilities to a Toppers concert and for the Zoetermeer choir Cantiamo to André Rieu in Maastricht.

Without a single loss -so undefeated champion and promoted to the 3rd class.

Zoetermeer talent

Councilman Ronald Weerwag (Sports) looks back on a great evening: "The Zoetermeer sports talent is impressive, both nationally and internationally, and even at a young age. I warmly congratulate tonight's winners and have great appreciation for all athletes who give our city so much energy and inspiration. Sport is there for everyone and makes Zoetermeer stronger. Congratulations to all the champions!"