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Minister Helder presents Vechtsportcentrum Wout Kist with 400th Keurmerk
Vechtsportcentrum Wout Kist today received the 400th Keurmerk Vechtsportautoriteit (quality mark of the Netherlands Martial Arts Authority) from Minister Conny Helder (Sport). The minister was given a tour of the premises in Beusichem. Kist teaches kickboxing and mixed martial arts, among other disciplines.
Minister Helder visited at the invitation of the Nederlandse Vechtsportautoriteit (VA, the Netherlands Martial Arts Authority) to learn more about the martial arts sector. Together with deputy mayor and alderman for sport (locoburgemeester en sportwethouder) Martine de Bas of the municipality of Buren, she was briefed by Wout Kist and his wife and fellow trainer Gerrie van Wirdum-Kist on their approach to the sport. The officials also spoke with active martial artists and with representatives of the VA, the regulator for martial arts in the Netherlands.
The visit had a festive element. The gym owners received the 400th Keurmerk Vechtsportautoriteit from Minister Helder. The centre meets all the requirements set by the VA in the areas of technical coaching staff, health, accommodation and equipment, house rules and standards of conduct, and the prevention of inappropriate behaviour. "It is very good to see the dedication and expertise with which Wout and Gerrie pass on their love for martial arts. This allows everyone to train and exercise safely and enjoyably in this martial arts centre," the minister said.
Wout Kist saw the visit as recognition of what they have built in Beusichem: "Martial arts have a great deal to offer to young and old, rich and poor, to everyone. We are pleased that this is now so widely recognised. And of course we are proud that the minister chose our gym in particular for a visit. That is a compliment in itself."
Photos William Hoogteyling. Group photo, left to right: Wout Kist, Gerrie van Wirdum-Kist, Herbert Dekkers, Minister Helder, Marc Merx, Farid Gamei, deputy mayor De Bas, Ronald Wustenberg