Festive Ceremony for the Voorschoten Awards
The Voorschoten Awards were presented tonight at the Kruispuntkerk amid great interest. The jury members presented the awards in the categories of Culture, Sports, Volunteering, and Youth. The proud winners received a beautiful challenge trophy and a smaller version of the trophy to keep. They also received a gift certificate worth 150 euros.
During the festive and warm evening, the Kruispuntkerk was filled with a lively, cheerful atmosphere. More than 200 visitors were on hand to cheer on and support the nominees. Friends and family, as well as clubmates and members of various Voorschoten associations, were in attendance. Visitors were treated to dance and martial arts demonstrations by Avanti and Budocentrum Junansei. Music was provided by Laurentius and the Harmonie Voorschoten. The festive evening was organized and expertly executed by young people in collaboration with Jongerenwerk. And as the evening progressed, the long-awaited Voorschoten Awards were presented by jury members, Aldermen Hans van der Elst and Hubert Schokker.
The Winners
Below are the winners in each category, along with the jury's rationale:
Winner of the Culture Category
Maria Rosenmöller
“Maria lives and breathes music and culture. She is a dedicated professional who weaves music and culture into village life at a high level, both through her work and in her free time. She has a keen eye for people and for how talent can best be challenged and developed. She also knows how to bring people together through culture and help them get to know one another, leading to friendships. Maria is deeply passionate, both professionally and in her free time. It’s wonderful to see her surprise when others aren’t as passionate. She’s very driven. Maria helps foster connections in the village, across generations. A wonderful combination of tremendous professionalism and drive.”
Winner of the Sports Category
Ed Zijl
“Ed is a stable and consistent presence. His dedication is immense; the number of hours and the energy he puts into sports is truly remarkable, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ed is someone who inspires others and who keeps going with boundless energy even in difficult circumstances. For years, Ed has been devoting himself heart and soul to the track and field division of Voorschoten ’97. Every Tuesday, Thursday, and on the weekends, Ed leads training sessions on the track, in the neighborhood, in the dunes, or on the beach. On weekends, he’s always at competitions to cheer on his athletes. Ed helps keep many Voorschoten residents fit—both physically and mentally. After all these years, he deserves to be put in the spotlight! You hear that at the club, too. Ed is always there for his athletes, accompanies them to competitions, and truly “lives and breathes” running. Ed is the epitome of the kind of people for whom we created the Voorschoten Awards; he wholeheartedly deserves this honor.”
Winner in the Volunteer Category
Voorschoten Volunteer Fire Department
“It’s wonderful to see how a close-knit group of volunteers is active in Voorschoten, dedicating themselves heart and soul to the safety of our residents and those in the region. They are on the scene every day, responding to all kinds of calls—big and small. This year, the accident on the Voorschoten railroad tracks made it clear to everyone just what heroes work for the volunteer fire department and how extraordinary the work they do is. All the more reason to express our appreciation for this group in front of the entire village and to present them with the Voorschoten Award.”
Winner of the Youth Category
Thijmen Richters
“Thijmen is a very enthusiastic volunteer within the MHC Forescate referees’ and coaches’ association. Despite his young age, Thijmen is a great asset to the referees’ corps. He now officiates matches ranging from youth to veteran levels. In addition, Thijmen is active within the coaches’ association and leads training sessions for other youth members with great passion and energy. It’s wonderful to see young people who volunteer so actively for their club!”
The Voorschoten Awards
The Voorschoten Awards were presented for the first time this year and will now be held annually during Voorschoten Weekend. The Voorschoten Awards were created to honor exceptional contributions in the areas of sports, culture, and volunteer work in Voorschoten and to recognize active residents.