The whole city is our playing field: Strategy Sport.Gouda wins title 'Sports Municipality of the Year'
The Dutch have been exercising considerably less in recent years. As a result, the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and depression is increasing. For the elderly, it also increases the risk of bone fractures. The causes are diverse:from more screen time and motorized transportation to social and economic barriers such as cost, lack of sports culture and limited motivation or time. The young and elderly are especially at risk of falling behind as a result.
To turn this tide, Sport.Gouda chose a clear course: 'The whole city is our playing field, and we leave no one behind. With this strategy, the municipality wants to make sport and exercise possible for all people of Gouda.
This approach led to innovative projects, more exercise opportunities in public spaces, sustainable innovations and the crowning glory: the title 'Sports Municipality of the Year 2024'.
"When the alderman in his speeches adopts 'our' slogan that in Gouda we see the whole city as a playing field, you know the story is true and it has landed in the city."
Frank Berteling, Managing Director
What makes this approach special is the broadening of sports facilities as a primary place to exercise to the starting point that the whole city the playing field is. That gave residents room to move, physically and mentally, both literally and figuratively.
Unique is also that the strategy not top-down was written, but together with all 80 employees of Sport.Gouda and tailored to the needs of the residents. This made the strategy belong to everyone, not just a small group of policy makers. Exactly that made it possible to turn a vision into a citywide movement.
Sport.Gouda implements sports policy for the municipality and works towards the ambition that by 2030 everyone in Gouda will be able to participate. They manage the Groenhoven swimming pool, sports halls, gymnasiums and sports fields, ensuring that they are safe, accessible and well maintained. They also offer a broad package: from activities and professional education to adapted sports, association support and the implementation of the Gouda Lifestyle Agreement.
Would you, like Sport.Gouda as an organization or brand, like to grow and make an impact? And a develop strategy who really like everyone is? We help you formulate a course of action that releases energy and enables innovation.
Wondering how we can also help your organization direction, energy and renewal give?
'Because we have really lived our story, we can make more focused choices and we see more and more how we are making an impact on the lives of Gouwen citizens with our daily work. That our colleagues realize this positive impact makes me incredibly proud.'
Frank Berteling
General Manager
