Municipal awards

A municipal award is a token of appreciation for a person or organization that has dedicated itself to the city of Zoetermeer and/or its residents. For example, an active volunteer or someone who has made a special achievement in the field of sports or culture.

The municipality of Zoetermeer has 4 different municipal awards:

Municipal Medal

For residents who have made efforts in social, cultural or other fields.

  • The recipient must live in Zoetermeer.
  • As an applicant, complete the online form. 
  • In the form, you will indicate the special meritorious work done by the recipient and the periods during which it was done. You can also include a letter of support. 
  • Within a few days, an employee of the municipality will call you to discuss the application.
  • The Municipal Medal is awarded by the College of Mayor and Aldermen. The mayor or another member of the college presents the award.
  • The Municipal Medal is awarded publicly on the occasion of an anniversary or on the occasion of a special event. This special event must be related to the special merits of the recipient. 
  • Send your application at least 8 weeks before the date the award is to be presented.

Sports Medal

For residents who have made efforts in the field of sports or recreation and in doing so have clearly promoted the name of the municipality of Zoetermeer to the outside world.

  • The recipient must live in Zoetermeer.
  • As an applicant, complete the online form. 
  • In the form, you will indicate the special meritorious work done by the recipient and the periods during which it was done. You can also include a letter of support.
  • Within a few days, an employee of the municipality will call you to discuss the application.
  • The Sports Medal is awarded by the College of Mayor and Aldermen. The mayor or another member of the college presents the award.
  • The Sports Medal is awarded publicly on the occasion of an anniversary or on the occasion of a special event. This special event must be related to the special merits of the recipient. 
  • Send your application at least 8 weeks before the date the award is to be presented. 

Youth ribbon

For a child, youth, teenager or young adult who has done something special for the municipality of Zoetermeer in social, cultural or other areas. 

  • The recipient lives in Zoetermeer or has a connection to the municipality of Zoetermeer and is between the ages of 6 and 23.
  • As an applicant, complete the online form. 
  • In the form, you indicate the special merits of the recipient and the periods during which they did so.
  • The application must be supported by 2 adults who are not relatives of the recipient.
  • Within a few days, an employee of the municipality will call you to discuss the application.
  • The Youth Medal is awarded by the College of Mayor and Aldermen. The mayor or another member of the college presents the award.
  • The Youth Medal is awarded publicly on the occasion of an anniversary or on the occasion of a special event. This special event must be related to the special merits of the recipient. 
  • Send your application at least 8 weeks before the date the award is to be presented. 

Chapeau pin

The Chapeau Pin is awarded to residents who are committed to safety and livability in the neighborhood and also show considerable involvement with the living environment. Each year, the district alderman can award one Chapeau Bell in each district.

Residents can be nominated by area residents, area partners, area councilor or area director to the municipality for a Chapeau Medal. The district director nominates residents to the district alderman. If there are multiple nominations, they are combined for each neighborhood. 

  • The recipient must live in Zoetermeer.
  • As an applicant, complete the online form. 
  • In the form, you indicate the special merits of the recipient and the periods during which they did so.
  • Within a few days, an employee of the municipality will call you to discuss the application.
  • The College of Mayor and Aldermen decides who will receive the Chapeau Medal. 
  • Send your application at least 4 weeks before the date the award is to be presented. 

Other awards

Royal decoration (ribbon)

The Ribbon Rain takes place every year on the last working day before King's Day. Most Royal Awards are presented during this rain of ribbons. 

For more information, see Royal Awards, ribbon.

Royal Medal of Honor

Only an association, foundation or institution that has been in existence for at least 50 years can receive a Royal Medal of Honor. 

For more information, see Royal Medal of Honor.

Royal Predicate

The Predicate Royal is a distinction that can be granted to associations, foundations, institutions or large corporations. 

For more information, see Royal Predicate.

Becoming a Court Supplier

The addition "By Royal Order Court Supplier" can be awarded to small and medium-sized businesses that are prominent in their region and have been in existence for 100, 125 (or multiples of 25) years.

For more information, see Becoming a Court Supplier.

Still have questions?

About the Municipal Medal, Youth Medal or Chapeau Medal:

Send an e-mail to: onderscheidingen@zoetermeer.nl or call 14 079.

About the Sports Medal:

Send an e-mail to: sportloket@zoetermeer.nl or call 14 079.