This year, both national and local Great People were put in the spotlight during the week. Because their efforts are sometimes invisible, but crucial to making the environment of young people healthier. In addition, various events were organised throughout the country in JOGG municipalities. This generated national, regional and local media attention, as well as activity on social media.

Real Great People

For many children, healthy is not yet the norm. That is why we need more Great People who are committed to creating a healthier environment. A neighbourhood where you enjoy being active, a community centre where young people are made aware of their lifestyle, or a school cafeteria where healthy food is offered. During Healthy Youth Week, JOGG shared five inspiring stories of Great People from various parts of the network.

Local Great People were also put in the spotlight. For example, the mayor of JOGG municipality Almere presented a ‘Great Person’ pin to five residents. In JOGG municipality Tynaarlo, Mineke Wolters was named, and in JOGG municipality Nunspeet, Wilma van de Steeg was named ‘Great Person of 2023’.

From Peuter4Daagse to DailyMile

During Healthy Youth Week, there is plenty of attention for the health of young people and their environment. For example, in JOGG municipality Buren, a dance clinic was organised with JOGG ambassador Juvat Westendorp. The youngest children throughout the country were also encouraged to get moving with the Peuter4Daagse. In JOGG municipality Breda, alderman Arjen van Drunen officially opened the event, and in Berg en Terblijt, the children walked together with older people. Multiple world speed-skating champion Erben Wennemars visited Hengelo to run TheDailyMile there with 700 pupils. In JOGG municipality Vijfheerenlanden, in addition to attention for young people, there was also a networking event with JOGG ambassador Herre Zonderland on the theme of Great People and healthy development in the municipality. The municipality of Bronckhorst officially became a JOGG municipality during Healthy Youth Week. This brings the total number of officially designated JOGG municipalities to 212.

Photo: At the Fanny Blankers-Koen Stadium in Hengelo, more than 700 pupils ran The Daily Mile with Erben Wennemars during Healthy Youth Week. Photo: Alieke Eising.