Archives | 13 Dec 2014
Dutch NOC*NSF President addresses ETTU EB
At the end of the Executive Board Meeting (EB) in Netherlands (10-11 December 2014), Dutch NOC*NSF President André BOLHUIS informed the EB from the “first hand” of the main decisions of the IOC meeting last weekend in Monaco. “I’m just back from the IOC e
At the end of the Executive Board Meeting (EB) in Netherlands (10-11 December 2014), Dutch NOC*NSF President André BOLHUIS informed the EB from the “first hand” of the main decisions of the IOC meeting last weekend in Monaco.
“I’m just back from the IOC extraordinary session in Monaco. The Agenda 2020 with its 40 recommendations not only have been discussed by the IOC members, but also has been approved unanimously. A milestone not only for the Olympic Movement, but also for the sport in general. IOC President BACH proclaimed frequently in Monaco that this is the time for change. He quoted even Shakespeare in a slightly modified way, by saying: ‘to change or to be changed’, that’s the question. Due to the approval of the 40 recommendations, changes certainly will come soon; not only for NOCs but also for international and European sports federations”, said BOLHUIS.
A new framework for the Olympic programme has been approved. “This means that medal events will be restricted to 310 events at future summer Games. However, at the same time the number of sports won’t be limited. Additionally, an increase of mixed events has been recommended by the session, too. For some federations, for sure, these restrictions will create new opportunities for their Olympic programme. For others, it will require rethinking of their Games’ participation. Additionally, true gender equality at various sports has been added to the recommendations, which will make it even more complicated for some federations. In relation to table tennis, it seems you have been a real trailblazer for some sports, with already organising single, double and team events for men and women at the Olympic Games.”
But there is more change to come. “In 2015 the inaugural European Games will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan. As a member of the Coordination Commission of the European Games I’m following the preparation of the Games closely. In less than 200 days the opening ceremony will take place. I can tell you, it will be impressive and inspiring Games. The organizing committee is doing very well, venue preparations are on schedule, agreements with national broadcasters are on its way and official sponsors have joined already. And above all, the Games will have a significant impact on the people of this beautiful and emerging country. I am well aware, that the European Games are a fully integrated and high level competition on the ETTU events agenda and that the European Games in Baku provide direct qualification for athletes for the Olympic Games in Rio. A vey wise decision by the ETTU which not only will boost the European Games but also will have, for sure, an important impact on table tennis in Europe. “
In his speech André BOLHUIS paid gratitude to ETTU. “The European Table Tennis Union in October 2013 has elected Ronald Kramer as its new President. Of course, as the President of the Dutch NOC*NSF, your decision made me proud and I would like to thank ETTU for this appointment. Ronald Kramer has gained a lot of experience in the past in the Netherlands as president of the Dutch Table Tennis Association and also as a professional at the Ministry of Sport; and not to forget as a very capable professional at our very own Dutch Olympic Committee.“
One of the main goals of the Dutch NOC and the Dutch federations is to provide a true contribute to the international world of sports and to strengthen sports in the Netherlands and abroad.
“Knowledge exchange, being a good host for congresses and major sporting events and participation in European and international committees are our main targets. Therefore, Ronald Kramer’s Presidency of ETTU is in full line of the NOC’s ambitions and the Dutch NOC*NSF will support Ronald Kramer’s Presidency whenever needed.”