Voorschoten Awards Presented for the Second Time
The Voorschoten Awards were presented for the second time during a festive evening at the Kruispuntkerk. The proud winners received a beautiful challenge trophy in the categories of Culture, Sports, Volunteering, and Youth.
Just like last year, the Kruispuntkerk was packed to capacity. Among those in attendance were, in addition to the nominees, last year’s winners, family and friends of this year’s nominees, and many interested members of the public. Just as they did last year, Aldermen Hans van der Elst and Hubert Schokker presented the Voorschoten Awards.
The Winners
Below are the winners in each category, along with the jury's rationale.
Winner of the Culture Category
Pieter Koree
“Pieter is very active at Museum Voorschoten. He’s always willing to help and is there for everyone. The museum couldn’t do without him—he’s truly irreplaceable. He’s the best, most loyal, and most dedicated volunteer there is. Whenever the museum is open, Pieter is there. If the alarm goes off in the evening, Pieter heads to the museum. Pieter is a gem of a staff member!”
Winner of the Sports Category
Instructors, EVZV Swimming Club Team
“This team has shown exceptional dedication. Representatives Petra van der Aa and Sandra van der Torre, along with the entire team, provide swimming lessons for 344 club members. In addition to teaching, they help members feel like part of the club by teaching them new skills in a fun way and by organizing the Sinterklaas party and the disco swim nights. The combination of professionalism, warm dedication to the children, and creating a fun atmosphere is top-notch!”
Winner in the Volunteer Category
Thea van Leeuwen
“Thea has been actively involved in the organization for as long as the Four-Day Evening Walk has existed. She has been a volunteer for 60 years, serving as a board member, traffic controller, and a pillar of support for all board members over the years. Thanks to her experience, Thea knows exactly how everything needs to be organized. She is always cheerful and willing to help—time and time again, year after year. Thea is the epitome of modesty and would never boast about her 60 years of dedication. But without volunteers like Thea, the Four-Day Evening Walk simply couldn’t exist.”
Winner of the Youth Category
Silvan Woertman
“Silvan is a referee for Voorschoten ‘97. He is the youngest person in the Netherlands to have earned his KNVB-UEFA-C (VC-2) certification. Silvan achieved this while pursuing his studies and playing for the JO17-1 select team. His exceptional enthusiasm, passion, and determination to achieve something are truly remarkable for a 17-year-old.”
The Voorschoten Awards
The Voorschoten Awards are held every year during the Voorschoten Weekend, and were presented for the second time this year. The Voorschoten Awards were created to honor exceptional contributions in the fields of sports, culture, and volunteer work in Voorschoten and to recognize active residents.