Stronger together: support your gym!

The world, and therefore the martial arts world too, is in a difficult position. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, uncertainty prevails. Gym owners are having sleepless nights. How are they going to come through this crisis? Time for some words of encouragement!

Thousands of business owners and employees in the gym sector are struggling with uncertainty. The government has opened the emergency support desk (Het Noodloket), a scheme for entrepreneurs affected by the measures. Sports clubs and gyms can also receive a one-off contribution of € 4,000 through the emergency support desk of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (Economische Zaken). Conditions do apply. You can read more about this on the website of the Dutch central government (Rijksoverheid).

Of course, this contribution does not solve the problems. Many gyms fear losing members and wonder whether they will survive this episode. That is understandable, because their members face uncertainty as well. Their customers may also have to count every euro, more than ever. But there is positive news too, about customers who are able to choose to keep supporting their gym and who do so. That is heartening and something we would like to encourage.

Matrix Fitness has recorded a campaign clip. In it, well-known athletes such as Rico Verhoeven and Henk Grol call on people to keep supporting gyms, even in these difficult times. This is a sympathetic message that we are glad to help spread.

Hopefully the appeal will persuade people who are considering cancelling their gym membership (temporarily). It would be good if we could convince them not to do so and thereby improve their gym's chances of survival.

We warmly invite everyone to help spread this message!