Preface We dream of the Netherlands becoming a country in which everyone enjoys sport; because sport is passion, it is a healthy pursuit, and it brings people together. Sport can bring out the best in people, help to build friendships, and foster respect. It is our goal to make it possible for absolutely everyone in the Netherlands to take part in sport and to enjoy being physically active. We focus on creating the best possible conditions for sports in the Netherlands. We are interested both in participation and in winning. We promote excellence in sport, help athletes win medals, and also strengthen sport research. We encourage people to get a little bit better every day, to use sport as a way of fighting obesity, and to make the Netherlands a safer and better place. Sport has a tremendous impact on society. The country’s 25,000-odd sports clubs make up an important and unique cornerstone of its social infrastructure. Furthermore, sport keeps millions of Dutch people fit and helps those with chronic diseases to improve their health. At the same time sports champions inspire people to do their very best. They are key factor in national pride and contribute to unite society and present a positive image of the Netherlands abroad. Major sports events in the Netherlands have much the same effect. They serve as sources of inspiration and pride, and enhance the Netherlands’ international reputation. The huge number of sporting events, both large and small, generate positive energy in Dutch society on an almost daily basis and act as a motor for economic and social activity. Hundreds of thousands of volunteers make it possible to organise events of this kind almost every week. This is, for certain, something to be cherished and we will continue our efforts to bring major sporting events to the Netherlands and wouldn’t it be wonderful if the Netherlands would be able to stage a great Olympic multisport event in the Netherlands at some point in the future. With the Sports Agenda 2017+, Dutch sport intends to make an even greater contribution to Dutch society than in the past. To achieve this Dutch sport has to bring administration, infrastructure, and management into line with today’s conditions. One aspect that will certainly need to receive attention concerns integrity of sport that has come to the fore in both the national and international sports world.
4 Online Touch Home