Margot Vandermeulen is Programme Manager at the Royal Dutch Walking Association (KWbN). In recent years, an important part of her role has been serving as Proposition Manager for the Avond4daagse, in which around half a million children participate every year. And that is important, according to Vandermeulen: “Every year, we get many children moving for four days and let them experience how enjoyable exercise in general and walking in particular can be.”
The Avond4daagse originated during the Second World War and subsequently grew rapidly. Since the 1980s, more and more schools have taken part, and it has increasingly become a children’s walking festival. Vandermeulen: “The motto is: four days of celebration! We deliberately do not take an instructional approach by emphasizing that walking is healthy.” The Avond4daagse is possible, Vandermeulen emphasizes, because nearly 500 member organizations organize the event locally—for example, walking clubs, but also playground associations and football clubs. “As KWbN, we provide supporting materials such as promotional materials, the Avond4daagse handbook and legal expenses insurance. And—perhaps most importantly—we provide the one and only official Avond4daagse medal!”
Most children who participate in the Avond4daagse are between six and eleven years old. “And that is precisely why we also became involved with the Peuter4daagse. We wondered whether we could already let the youngest children experience that walking is fun.” She explains what appeals to her about the Peuter4daagse: “It takes place at the childcare centre or playgroup itself. It is accessible and part of the daily programme. The toddlers walk around the building with the childcare professionals. It is really turned into a celebration. In this way, the toddlers achieve something at their own level, for which they also receive a well-deserved medal. At KWbN, we want to create a positive attitude among parents, toddlers and childcare professionals alike. After all, they also discover how easy and enjoyable it is to get moving.”
The contact between the Peuter4daagse and KWbN initially began in Limburg. “The Limburg region of KWbN thought the Peuter4daagse was such a wonderful event that they sponsored the medals during the first two years. They also ensured—in cooperation with JOGG—that the final day, including the parade, had a festive touch.”
In 2022, KWbN decided to go one step further and expand its cooperation with JOGG. “As KWbN, we have the strength, reputation and logistical systems to roll this out nationwide. In turn, the JOGG coordinators are the local hubs connecting childcare centres and playgroups. In addition, JOGG is good at communicating about this initiative. That makes one and one equal two.”
KWbN and JOGG aim to hold the first nationwide Peuter4daagse around the Week for a Healthy Youth, which takes place in early June. Registration has been possible since 1 April. A toolkit can also be downloaded from the website, and the Peuter4daagse medal can be ordered for €1.50.
The Daily Mile and the Avond4daagse
KWbN and JOGG also work together on The Daily Mile and the Avond4daagse Challenge. Vandermeulen: “Because we have the same goal there—getting children to exercise more—I see opportunities. Moreover, it is fun to work toward something. That is why The Daily Mile can be used to work toward completing the Avond4daagse. This is how we jointly developed the Daily Mile Avond4daagse Challenge. The Challenge includes elements that make it especially enjoyable for children.” It also has another advantage, according to Vandermeulen: “Children who take part in the Daily Mile but do not yet participate in the Avond4daagse get to know the event in a friendly way. And vice versa, of course.”
About KWBN
The Royal Dutch Walking Association (KWbN) is the largest walking organization in the Netherlands and is affiliated with NOC*NSF. KWbN believes that walking leads to a healthier and happier life. That is why KWbN wants to get as many people as possible moving through walking by providing support, inspiration and connection. It does this directly or through its programmes and platforms. KWbN is the initiator of the Avond4daagse, the Via Vierdaagse preparation programme, the FitStap exercise programme and the Wandel.nl platform.
KWbN has approximately 950 member organizations—primarily walking clubs, but also playground associations and football clubs, for example—and 55,000 individual members. Each year, the member organizations organize 1,500 walking events and Avond4daagse walks. Twenty-five employees work at the association’s office.
More information: www.kwbn.nl.
Photo caption: Peuter4daagse in the JOGG region of South Limburg.