Today, the members of the Royal Association De Friesche Elf Steden gathered at the WTC Leeuwarden for the annual general meeting. It was a gathering filled with tradition and inspiration, where not only important decisions were made, but the rich history and the future of the Elfstedentocht were also reflected upon.
During the formal part of the meeting, the financial documents were discussed, member questions were addressed, and the following board elections were announced:
- Jan Bakker, the current race and event leader, is due to step down according to the regulations but has made himself available for re-election. The board recommends his re-election.
- Joost de Graaf is stepping down according to the regulations and will not seek re-election. The board nominates Arvid Munzebrock as a new board member for Medical Affairs and Doping Control. Arvid, a trauma surgeon at MCL in Leeuwarden, has already spent a significant part of the past Association year ensuring a smooth handover.
- Wiep Schuurmans is stepping down according to the regulations and will not seek re-election. The board nominates Chris Sytsma as board member for ICT, Connections, and Transport. Chris, an information manager at the Antonius Hospital in Sneek, has also been involved in preparations to ensure a smooth transition.
- Wiebe Wieling, the current chairman, is stepping down according to the regulations and will not seek re-election at the General Members' Meeting on December 13, 2025. The board has persuaded Jan Bakker, who will continue in his role as race and event leader, to succeed Wiebe as incoming chairman. This transition will begin in 2024 to ensure a smooth handover in 2025.
Joost de Graaf was thanked for his dedication.
Arvid Munzebrock was welcomed to the board.
Wiep Schuurmans thanked everyone for the pleasant collaboration.
Chris Sytsma was inaugurated.
The prospect of a new era within the board led to a conscious look toward the future of the association.
The meeting's agenda also included a reflection on the rich history of the Elfstedentocht, with special contributions from guest speakers. Eelke Lok, a journalist and expert on the Elfstedentocht, shared a beautiful story from the 1980s when ice skating enthusiasts gathered on Easter Monday at the statue of "De Schaatser" in Leeuwarden to pray for a new race. This tradition ultimately led to the legendary races of 1985 and 1986.
Additionally, a new website for the association was presented, offering a wealth of historical information about the fifteen editions of the Elfstedentocht. This website is not only a platform for the rich history of the races but also provides space for members to submit their personal skating stories. The site features a great deal of visual material, including both moving images and photographs from the races, capturing the magical atmosphere of this unique event. All races are thoroughly described, ensuring the history of the Elfstedentocht is preserved for future generations. The idea of collecting these stories was enthusiastically received by members, who can further strengthen their connection to the tradition.
Member Ed Kimman shared a personal anecdote that emphasised the strength of the Elfstedentocht as a living tradition. Having completed three Elfstedentocht races, he is still waiting for the opportunity to achieve his fourth medal. To keep this dream alive, he received a special Sinterklaas gift from his children: a tattoo of the medal on his shoulder.
The meeting concluded with an engaging discussion on the theme “How the Water Became Ice and Made the World Bigger,” where guest speakers such as Dione de Graaff, Eelke Lok, Jan Kooijman, and Erik Jan Kooijman shared their perspectives on the significance of the Elfstedentocht and its impact on skating, culture, and the community.
With the appointment of new board members, the launch of an extensive website, and the inspiring stories from members and guest speakers, the Annual General Meeting of 2024 not only celebrated the rich history of the Elfstedentocht but also laid a strong foundation for the future of the association.
Wiebe Wieling, current chairman, and Jan Bakker, incoming chairman.
Photo impression of the day by Binne Louw Katsma.
