Municipality and Water Sports Federation extend successful collaboration until 2032
The Hague and the Royal Netherlands Water Sports Federation (Watersportverbond) are continuing their successful collaboration. Both parties are signing a new cooperation agreement recently for the period 2026–2032. With this, they confirm their shared ambition to further develop The Hague as the premier water sports city and top sailing port of Northwest Europe.
In recent years, the collaboration between the Municipality of The Hague and the Dutch Water Sports Federation has led to significant results for Dutch water sports. For instance, the national team established a permanent base in Scheveningen, the Top Sailing Centre was realized, and Scheveningen grew into a recognized National Elite Sailing Centre. In addition, various international elite sporting events found their way to The Hague, such as the Sailing World Championships.
With the new agreement, both parties are building upon this strong foundation. In addition to elite sport, there will be a strong focus in the coming years on grassroots sport, talent development, innovation, and appealing water sports events. The municipality and the Dutch Water Sports Federation also aim to introduce more residents to water sports such as sailing, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), canoeing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing.
Alderman for Sport Nur Icar: “The Hague is the premier sports city by the sea, and water sports are part of our identity. With this extension, we strengthen our position as an international water sports city and simultaneously create more opportunities for everyone to discover water sports. From grassroots sport to elite sport: this collaboration contributes to a strong, vibrant, and inspiring sports city.”
The Hague as a water sports city for everyone
An important part of the collaboration is further strengthening the visibility and accessibility of water sports in the city. The Hague water sports associations, sports providers, and initiatives such as the Marit Bouwmeester Academy play a key role in this. By organizing more events, activities, clinics, and programs for schools, both parties aim to bring water sports closer to residents.
Arno van Gerven, Managing Director of the Dutch Watersports Federation: “Watersports and The Hague are a natural match. Thanks to the good cooperation, we have made great strides in recent years, from the arrival of the national team in Scheveningen to the construction of the Top Sailing Centre and the organization of international events. The new agreement gives us the scope to build on this and realize new sporting and social highlights in the coming years.”
Elite sports, innovation and international events
The Hague remains the home base for the Dutch elite sailing program. Furthermore, the municipality and the Dutch Water Sports Federation are jointly committed to attracting international elite sporting events. The ambition is to bring events to The Hague that are not only leading in sporting terms, but also contribute to innovation, sustainability, and societal impact.
The cooperation agreement will be signed during the iQFOil World Championships, where TeamNL competes with the international elite ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. The agreement runs through 2032. Both parties express the intention to continue the collaboration thereafter as well.
Source & image: Gemeente Den Haag
Translation to English: The Hague Online