Leeuwarder Courant, November 20: Jan Bakker is the proposed successor to Wiebe Wieling as chairman of the Royal Association of the Friesche Elf Steden. The former marathon skater from Wijnjewoude will be nominated at the general members' meeting on December 14.
“We are convinced that Jan, with his skating background, managerial experience, and enthusiasm, is the right person to lead our Association forward,” writes secretary Pieter-Jan Varekamp in the newsletter sent to members on Wednesday. The current chairman of the Elfstedentocht, Wiebe Wieling, will complete his term at the end of next year. He succeeded Henk Kroes in 2005.
Bakker (62) is a well-known name in the skating world. He has held several positions within the Fryslân region and currently serves as the tour and race leader for the Elfstedentocht Association. Last year, he also joined the organising committee for the regional and national marathons at Thialf, together with Iepe Soet and Ruben de Jong.
Natural ice as the common thread
“Natural ice is the common thread in my life,” Bakker says in the same newsletter. “I met my wife on the ice, and our children are also active in the sport. For me, it’s more than just a sport; it has shaped me. The Elfstedentocht of 1997 was the best day of my life. A unique experience full of perseverance and special moments. That never leaves you.”
Bakker looks forward to the chairmanship, should he be elected by the members. “It would be an honour to do this. I see my most important role in connecting volunteers and promoting our values. Additionally, I think it’s important to be a catalyst for new initiatives with the association, such as the rise of the skating helmet and our contribution to, for example, school skating, to bring more children into contact with the sport.”
Confidence
Wieling, for his part, has confidence in his proposed successor. “I am convinced that we will be in good hands with Jan Bakker. I’ve said that I don’t want to govern over my grave, and that’s why I haven’t been involved in choosing a successor. I can say that I am very satisfied with the outcome. Jan knows this world inside and out and can relate well to people.”
Whether there will ever be another Elfstedentocht, according to Bakker, cannot be said with certainty. “But as long as there is a chance for a race, we will organise it.”
