From March 6 to 9, the Dutch city of Apeldoorn will be all about the European Athletics Indoor Championships 2025. Omnisport, a premier indoor athletics venue, will host this spectacular event where elite sports and passion come together. But this championship isn’t just for top athletes—it’s a celebration of sports for everyone, featuring an extensive community program designed to get people moving.
One of the key organizations behind these activities is Sportservice Apeldoorn, part of Accres, a Dutch company that promotes sports and recreational activities in local communities. Their mission? To get as many children as possible active. “We want to show that sports and exercise are not only fun but also essential for health and social development,” says Binnie Willemsen from Sportservice. “That’s why we organize sports activities in neighborhoods throughout the year. The European Championships provide a fantastic opportunity to give these efforts an extra boost.”
Athletics Festival in the City Centre
One of the highlights of the program is the athletics festival in the city centre of Apeldoorn. On Wednesday afternoon, February 26, all children and their parents are invited to take part. “We’ve set up a course with different athletics events such as hurdles, ball throwing, and relay races,” Binnie explains. “Children will receive a diploma and a medal afterward. It’s wonderful to see how proud they are when they get them.” The event will also feature Champ, the official championship mascot, and Sport Binky, Apeldoorn’s local sports mascot, adding to the fun and excitement for kids.
The Daily Mile: From Istanbul to Apeldoorn
Schools are also actively involved in the European Championships. Through The Daily Mile, students are encouraged to run or walk a mile every day. As a special initiative for the championships, participating schools will take part in a symbolic virtual journey from Istanbul, the previous host city, to Apeldoorn. “The fun part is that each school can earn a bronze, silver, or gold status, depending on how many days they participate,” says Binnie. “The competition aspect really motivates the kids, but most importantly, we want them to enjoy being active.”
Sports Bring People Together
Sportservice is also taking part in The Daily Mile. “We’re running in different locations across Apeldoorn, together with mascot Sport Binky,” Binnie says. “By sharing this on social media, we hope to inspire schools and families to get moving too.” According to Binnie, it’s not just about physical activity but also about community and connection. “Sports bring people together.”
Year-Round Sports Activities
The focus on exercise doesn’t end after the European Championships. Sportservice continues to organize sports activities throughout the year, from holiday tournaments to introductory lessons at sports clubs. “We make sports accessible and easy to join,” Willemsen says. “It’s important that every child, regardless of background or skill level, has the opportunity to participate in sports. That’s what we work toward every day.”
European Athletics Indoor Championships: Moving People
The theme of the European Athletics Indoor Championships 2025 is Moving People—getting people in motion. Moving People is not just about physical activity; it’s also about connection and inspiration. The event’s community program aims to engage as many people as possible by organizing activities that make athletics accessible. By introducing people to athletics and other forms of exercise in a fun and approachable way, the European Championships hope to contribute to a healthier and more active society, both during and after the event.
Tickets are still available for the Moving Morning Sessions at the European Athletics Indoor Championships! Get yours here.
