The NL Sports Week (December 12 – December 16) is about to start! In the upcoming weeks towards the NL Sports Week we will introduce the organizations that will participate in the NL Sports Week at the Expo in Dubai. We will do this by asking everyone the same 5 questions. Today, we have the pleasure to introduce the Knowledge Centre for Sport & Physical Activity Netherlands (website)!
- Can you briefly introduce Knowledge Centre for Sport & Physical Activity Netherlands?
The Knowledge Centre for Sport & Physical Activity Netherlands makes knowledge from science, policy and practice available and applicable for professionals. We aim to increase the quality and effectiveness of sport and physical activity and contribute to a vital society in which everyone can take part in sport and physical activity, whatever their level.
The delegation of the Knowledge Centre to ExpoDubai consists of Dion Bulkens (specialist esports, gaming & gamification), Herman IJzerman (manager Elite Sport and EGG) and Jacqueline Kronenburg (manager Public Affairs).
On an international level, we are an active member organisation of TAFISA, the international sport for all association. On the European level, we are a key member of the SHARE Initiative for sport and PA within the European Commission and a reliable project partner in several Erasmus+ projects.. In the Netherlands we participate in SportsNL, which aims at being identified and remaining the partner for inclusive, sustainable and innovative (top-level) sport experiences. We are mainly funded by the ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport. Our organisation has about 60 highly educated specialists in all aspects of sport and PA. Our CEO is Bert van Oostveen.
- What does your organization have to offer in the UAE?
The Knowledge Centre for Sport & Physical Activity Netherlands offers reliable knowledge about sport and physical activity, in this NL Sports Week especially about esports, gaming and gamification, women and girls in sports and ‘greening the sports’. We strive to be the ideal partner for professionals, policymakers and researchers, in the Netherlands and abroad. Browse through our Sportfolio Magazine to find a broad and diverse selection of national programmes and policies, exciting innovations and successful projects that have international ambitions. We are an innovative, and unbiased expert organisation and we are interested in sharing our knowledge with organisations from all over the world. We are glad that we have already established a cooperation with the Dubai Sports Council and Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy for our seminars.
- Why do you participate in the NL Sports Week at the Expo in Dubai?
‘Changing the Game together’ is the slogan that connects parties that are active within the Dutch sport sector. With this idea in mind, we have decided to partner up with Sportinnovator and provide three seminars as knowledge partners for the NL Sports Week. At the same time, we connect with the public event ‘Knowledge and Learning Week’ at ExpoDubai. Please refer to this website for more information about the seminars and registration for the livestreams!
It is the first time that we present ourselves together at such a prestigious event. In this way we aim to contribute to the ambition of the Netherlands that in 2030, our country will globally be seen as a (trade)partner for inclusive, sustainable and innovative sport experiences. Within the framework of the NL Sports Week, an interesting and challenging combination of knowledge, innovation and business has been brought together.
We hope to expand our network abroad and to inspire new collaborations. Especially in the rather new field of esports, gaming and gamification there is a world to win in sharing knowledge internationally about the sometimes unexpected connection with sport and physical activity.
- What are you looking forward to the most?
It is an excellent opportunity to be able to exchange knowledge about sport & physical activity with possibly 192 countries in one very special place: the Expo2020 Dubai. While visiting all country pavilions, we will surely reach the recommended 10.000 steps per day goal… We feel honored to be present at the Expo during the Golden Jubilee Month of the UAE and are looking forward to the very special celebrations.
- Why should everyone come to the Netherlands Pavilion and meet you at the Expo?
Uniting water, energy and food solutions for a happier and greener planet is the message of the unique Netherlands ‘Biotope’. We would like to add something to that important ambition: the sport and physical activity sector can largely contribute to achieving sustainable development goals. Find out more how we advise on policy, validate research and help professionals in a triple helix model. We hope to connect with many experts from around the world and especially from the host country UAE, in the spirit of the Expo: connecting minds for a brilliant future.
If you want to get in touch with Knowledge Centre for Sport & Physical Activity Netherlands, please contact OSF via the contact page and we’re more than happy to provide an introduction! For more information about the NL Sports Week, please visit the following webpage:
