Three Dutch medalists from the Paralympic Games in Beijing were honored at Noordeinde Palace by King Willem-Alexander and Princess Margriet, honorary director of the International Paralympic Committee.
Snowboarder Chris Vos and sit-skiers Jeroen Kampschreur and Niels de Langen were honored earlier today in Catshuis by Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Minister of Long-term Care and Sport Conny Helder.
The ministers’ speeches highlighted the good performance of the Paralympic Games in the context of the war in Ukraine.
“Light points in dark times”
“You did everything you could to put in your best performance,” said Rutte. “So, with the great war in Ukraine dominating the news, I can imagine that presenting this performance must have been quite special. You handled this wonderfully. Admirable.”
“It is great for us viewers to see that in these dark times, when we all sympathize with what is happening in Ukraine, there are also bright spots. You were those bright spots.”
Mission Chef Esther Vergeer and related coaches were also present at the ceremonies. Vergeer also drew attention to the war in Ukraine in his speech.
Referring to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, he said: “You boarded with enthusiasm on Thursday, February 24. On the same day, an event took place that shocked the world.” “An event that cast a shadow over the Paralympic Games. War has also reached the Games.”
“NOS*NSF supported the exclusion of athletes from Russia and Belarus, because Ukrainians deserve all the support,” Vergeer said. Also from the sports world.” “You tried to follow your dream in this busy environment. Of course it was a look at the world situation, but it was about running as much as possible as soon as we started.”
Sixteenth in medal standings
The Dutch delegation, consisting of eight winter athletes, won four medals, three silver and one bronze at the Paralympic Winter Games. With the Dutch flag at the closing ceremony on Sunday, De Langen took care of half of the harvest. The sit-skier won bronze in the super combined and silver in the slalom.
The Netherlands finished the Beijing Games in sixteenth place in the medal standings, where China is now at the top after a meager medal at the previous Games.
The Chinese ambassador, who was also present at the ceremony in Catshuis, received a compliment from Prime Minister Rutte. “Thank you for arranging for these incredible Paralympic Games. Magnificent.”
Source: NOS
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