Sports

Over ten million people in the Netherlands are involved in at least one form of sport or physical activity. While this is already a good number, the government would like to see as many people as possible take up and enjoy some kind of sport.

The Netherlands aims to be among the world’s top ten countries in the international sporting arena, and is therefore investing in athletes who can win premier events.

Sport and physical activity are not just good fun: physical activity benefits health, team sports promote social cohesion and the achievements of elite athletes are a source of national pride.

In this document entitled ‘Sport and physical activity in an Olympic perspective’ the government has set out its policy for the coming years

News

‘Don't be blue, be orange’: England football fans ‘go Dutch’ at Euro 2008

London, Monday: European affairs minister Frans Timmermans launched the ‘ Just Go Dutch’ campaign. Its goal: to get England ...

04-06-2008 | BZ

Home-grown players rule is “step in the right direction” say Timmermans and Bussemaker

European affairs minister Frans Timmermans and state secretary for sport Jet Bussemaker have welcomed the European Commission’s ...

30-05-2008 | BZ

Timmermans in talks with European sports associations

Today, European affairs minister Frans Timmermans and his French counterpart Jean-Pierre Jouyet are visiting the Union of European ...

24-04-2008 | BZ

Dutch aid for sport in developing countries

On 11 February, development cooperation minister Bert Koenders and State Secretary for Health, Welfare and Sport Jet Bussemaker ...

12-02-2008 | BZ, VWS

Football as an icebreaker

Minister for European Affairs Frans Timmermans has wrapped up his visit to Bulgaria, Romania and Albania.

13-09-2007 | BZ

More news

Documents and publications

Tough approach to hooligans, more room for supporters

In the coming years, football hooligans will be dealt with severely in order to prevent them from disturbing the peace at or in ...

Press release | 23-05-2011 | VenJ

Dutch gaming policy will be modernised

The legal offer of games of chance will be expanded. State Secretary Teeven intends for Dutch gaming policy to move with the ...

Press release | 19-03-2011 | VenJ