Kerkrade first South Limburg athletics partner municipality
With the opening of a new athletics track, the municipality of Kerkrade became the first South Limburg municipality to join as "partner municipality in athletics" on Friday, April 19, an initiative of Limburg Athletics+ to strengthen the athletics sport in and with Limburg municipalities over the long term. In addition to a formal signing ceremony, sporting activities on the renewed athletics track showed how versatile and challenging athletics is and what opportunities there are in Kerkrade. After one year it will be determined whether the partnership will be continued on a long-term basis.
Together strong for the 'plus' of athletics
Through the 'partner municipality athletics' initiative, Limburg Athletics+ wants to strengthen its strategic goals by joining forces with municipalities that want to do this at the local level. Limburg Athletics+ is one of the sports branch platforms that were established thanks to the support of the province of Limburg and focuses on strengthening Limburg athletics in the broadest sense. Among other things, the appointment as a partner municipality provides additional opportunities for networking, knowledge, promotion and materials to promote athletics. But the content and practical application of the concept of partner municipality athletics will be further shaped mainly together with local partners. "The reopening of the athletics track is obviously a great momentum for Kerkrade residents to experience even more fun and health through athletics. We are delighted that the municipality of Kerkrade is the first South Limburg municipality to join our cooperation concept," said Arno Deckers, who, in addition to being chairman of Limburg Athletics+, is also chairman of the board of Kerkrade Athletics Association Achilles-Top.
Kerkrade sports ambitions
In addition to the added value of traditional athletics disciplines, the municipality of Kerkrade also sees the potential of athletics in a broader sense, such as running and walking in public spaces, as well as the beautiful events taking place in Kerkrade, such as the Viva La Vida Run and Abbey Cross. "As a partner municipality in athletics, we can organize great athletics activities and increase access to this sport for all our residents. Together with Limburg Athletics+ and Achilles Top, we can strengthen and promote athletics in a low-threshold way, not only for the athletes themselves, but for all Kerkrade residents," says Sports Alderman Jo Schlangen.