Geke explains: “We are counting down: every week during the final ten weeks before the King's Games, a download or another surprise will be released on the website. Each week, you will find the appropriate link in the KoningsspelenPakket Facebook community.”
A brief history
Since the King's Games began in 2013, a free downloadable package has been put together every year. In 2020 as well, when the national King's Games could not go ahead, KoningsspelenPakket developed a stay-at-home version at the last minute to ensure that children staying at home could still get active.
KoningsspelenPakket is an initiative by Geke Versprille and Linda Thuijs. Geke explains how it all started: “In 2013, we were sitting on a sunny terrace and Linda and I got talking about the appeal from the organising committee of the King's Games to share good ideas for organising an active King's Games sports and games day. As a physical education teacher, I naturally had ideas for fun activities, and Linda, as an internet marketer and at the time a graphic designer, was immediately inspired to present everything attractively. Together, we got to work, and that is how the first KoningsspelenPakket came together in a relatively short time.”
The free downloadable KoningsspelenPakket was requested far more often than expected in its first year. This was a huge boost and the motivation to take a bigger approach the following year. A website was set up and the package was gradually expanded. It started with a limited number of games, a certificate and a placemat, but has now grown to the point where you have all the materials you need to organise the King's Games sports and games day very simply and quickly at your own school, in your neighbourhood or anywhere else. Sponsors were brought on board to cover the costs, so that at least the basic package could continue to be offered free of charge.
Extra materials
“But that is not where it ends,” says Geke. “In addition to the basic package, we started developing and offering extra materials. Alongside the KoningsspelenPakket, you can order a package of extra downloads or a hard-copy Royal Quartet game. We also respond to other sporting opportunities with themed packages, such as the Winter Olympics package.”
If you become a ‘Friend of KoningsspelenPakket’, you will receive extra special treatment. ‘Friends’ are treated as VIPs and receive not only the free KoningsspelenPakket, but also an upgrade with extra downloads, another eight additional games, the Olympic Games package if the Games take place that year, and a great discount in the webshop.”
The KoningsspelenPakket can be requested throughout the year and downloaded in March and April. You can apply here.