Support for gyms working on diversity

The martial arts world is very diverse. Athletes and trainers come from all possible backgrounds. Even so, there are still groups for whom the threshold of the gym is harder to cross. Do you want to do something about that? Then you can receive financial support.

UPDATE 13 June: The maximum number of applications for the incentive budget has been reached, so no new applications can be submitted at this time.

The gym is a place where people come together who might not otherwise meet. To allow as many people as possible to enjoy this, a sporting climate in which everyone feels welcome and safe is of great importance.

An incentive budget is available to give sports clubs and gyms that want to take an (extra) step in this area a helping hand. Through NOC*NSF (the Dutch Olympic Committee and Dutch Sports Federation), clubs can apply for up to 850 euros to work on inclusion and diversity within the club. Think of training sessions for people with a disability, or for people getting back on their feet after a difficult period.

You can use the budget, for example, to attract new members to the club, to start a development programme for the board, or to enter into a partnership with a local organisation. Four hundred clubs and gyms have made use of this opportunity before. Among them, for instance, Hoyers Gym in Heerlen, which organises a sports-based version of social shelter services.

The VA was involved in the development of this programme by sports umbrella organisation NOC*NSF, and encourages martial arts gyms to make use of this support.

UPDATE 13 June: The maximum number of applications for the incentive budget has been reached, so no new applications can be submitted at this time.

More information can be found on the NOC*NSF website.