Nicolas Rettmann and Lieven Kind, delegates from the BDC executive board, attended the centenary celebrations on behalf of the BDC on Friday 23 October 2026 at the Papendal elite sports centre, near Arnhem (the Netherlands).
The event, held in the heart of the Netherlands, was attended by numerous guests, including former elite athletes, prominent figures, and representatives from the Dutch government.
On behalf of the BDC, Lieven Kind—who oversees elite sports—delivered a speech, which included the following remarks:
The bond between the Belgian Deaf Sports Committee (BDC, formerly KSVDB) and the KNDSB stretches back more than a century. A close collaboration between our federations began as early as the very first Deaflympics in Paris.
Thanks to pioneers such as the Belgian Antoine Dresse and the Dutchman Mr. Koudijs, both of our countries had representatives within the CISS—later known as the ICSD—at an early stage. Subsequently, in 1983, the European Deaf Sports Organisation (EDSO) was established, partly through the efforts of H.J. de Haas and our own Boudewijn De Roose.
The event, held in the heart of the Netherlands, was attended by numerous guests, including former elite athletes, prominent figures, and representatives from the Dutch government.
On behalf of the BDC, Lieven Kind—who oversees elite sports—delivered a speech, which included the following remarks:
The bond between the Belgian Deaf Sports Committee (BDC, formerly KSVDB) and the KNDSB stretches back more than a century. A close collaboration between our federations began as early as the very first Deaflympics in Paris.
Thanks to pioneers such as the Belgian Antoine Dresse and the Dutchman Mr. Koudijs, both of our countries had representatives within the CISS—later known as the ICSD—at an early stage. Subsequently, in 1983, the European Deaf Sports Organisation (EDSO) was established, partly through the efforts of H.J. de Haas and our own Boudewijn De Roose.
Their vision was clear: we are stronger together than we are alone.
But our connection began even earlier. As far back as 1926, a Dutch club from Rotterdam called "Amman" crossed the border to organize international encounters, including matches with Belgian clubs. In this way, sport became a universal language that brought deaf people from both countries together, building bridges where others saw only borders.
A historic milestone was reached on May 10, 1926, in Antwerp, with the first official international football match between our two nations. The result—a 2-2 draw—was symbolic of what was to follow: a balanced, sporting rivalry rooted in mutual respect. Many more encounters would take place thereafter, ranging from friendly matches to qualifying fixtures.
Naturally, this cooperation was not limited to football. Over the years, Belgian and Dutch athletes have met across a wide array of disciplines, including chess, swimming, volleyball, table tennis, futsal, and many others. Every match, tournament, and encounter has reaffirmed the same core values: respect, a sense of connection, and a shared desire to help one another progress.
For this reason, congratulations are certainly in order today. We can take pride in what the generations before us have built.
At the same time, we must not turn a blind eye to the challenges that lie ahead.
In both the Netherlands and Belgium, support for deaf sports is under pressure—a concern we both share. Despite the prosperity of our nations, deaf athletes and their organizations often do not receive the support they deserve, especially when compared to certain neighboring countries and other examples elsewhere in Europe.
This is precisely why our long-standing, historic partnership is more relevant today than ever before. The challenges are significant, but they also present new opportunities. By sharing knowledge, launching joint initiatives, and advocating for the interests of deaf athletes with one powerful voice, we can build a stronger future.
I would therefore like to make an earnest appeal to the representatives of the Dutch authorities present here today: please pay attention to deaf athletes—do not leave them out in the cold, and treat them as equals to Paralympic and Olympic athletes.
Let us not merely look back on an impressive past, but, more importantly, look ahead to what we can still achieve together. The friendship between the Netherlands and Belgium has stood the test of time. Let it also serve as the driving force for a new generation of deaf athletes—athletes who dream, perform, and push boundaries.
Congratulations on everything that has been accomplished; thank you to everyone who has contributed to this; and, above all, let us continue to work together to make sports for the deaf stronger, more visible, and future-proof."
Former top-level athletes from the Netherlands were honored one by one, and the event concluded beautifully with a celebration for all those in attendance. During this, a wonderful gift was also presented on behalf of the BDC.
