Nevobo and JOGG foundation: together for a healthier FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship 2022 

The FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship 2022 will take place in the Netherlands and Poland in September and October 2022. The Nevobo (Dutch Volleyball Association) and the JOGG foundation (Healthy Youth, Healthy Future) are joining forces to integrate healthy food into this global event.

The partnership focuses on healthier food offerings in the run-up to and during the World Championship, often linked to physical activities for children and young people in the World Championship host cities. The confirmation of the collaboration took place on September 22nd at Palace Het Loo in Apeldoorn during the World Championship's 'one year to go' meeting, organized by Nevobo. Part of this meeting was also the signing of the Healthy Sporting Events Covenant by the JOGG municipalities of Arnhem and Apeldoorn, which will also be host cities during the World Championship.

Good example

“It's great news that we're partnering with Nevobo to make the World Championship a healthier sporting event. This makes the association a leader in this area. We have made a connection with the JOGG municipalities of Apeldoorn and Arnhem. By signing the Healthy Sporting Events Covenant and by making healthy the norm in their sports policy, they are setting a good example”, said Marjolein Bolhuis-Eijsvogel, manager of Healthy Environment and Public Private Partnership at JOGG.

“Since 2018, we have been integrating healthy food into our events policy,” says Michel Everaert, director of events and sports development at Nevobo. “The Volleyball World Championship in 2022 is a great moment to take the next step. The World Championship is a wonderful platform to show the world what the Netherlands has to offer. We not only want to promote volleyball and exercise, but also show that responsible nutrition is part of exercise. Together with JOGG, we want to create much more awareness for this at the World Championship, at all side events in the municipalities and at our clubs.”

Healthier sports events in municipalities

With the signing of the Healthy Sports Events Covenant, Arnhem and Apeldoorn are taking a great step towards a healthier sports environment for young people. This will be reflected in the sporting events they organise, where they will focus on healthier food offerings and healthier sponsorships. The side events and activities they organise in the run-up to and during the Volleyball World Championship are a good example of this.

“A healthy lifestyle is a matter of exercise and a healthy diet. That is why it is important that we ensure that the food supply becomes healthier. This applies to everyone, but especially to young people, they must also see that a healthy life is a logical choice and that you can make that choice yourself. Especially at (sports) events,” says Nathan Stukker, Alderman for Sports of Apeldoorn.

“In Arnhem we believe in the power of sport,” says Sports Alderman Jan van Dellen of Arnhem. “Sports events such as the Volleyball World Championship, but also activities in the neighbourhoods allow children and young people to exercise. They offer a platform to engage with healthy food in a fun way. The covenant fits in seamlessly with our goal of getting as many healthy and fit Arnhemmers as possible.”