The Special Olympics Nationals took place from June 14 to 16 in Tilburg and Breda in the Netherlands. It was with great ambitions that our Belgian Red Giants went to the Were Di hockey club in Tilburg, where the hockey tournament was being played.
After an impressive opening ceremony in Breda on Friday evening – with the traditional Olympic flame and team parades and musical accompaniment by none other than Dutch star the “schlager music” Frans Bauer – they were tired but satisfied Giants returning to their chalets at Beekse Bergen for a short night’s sleep. A busy sports program awaited them on Saturday.
No fewer than five matches were scheduled on the first day. In the morning, the players of national coach Axel Guillemyn. won convincing victories against Germany (3-0), Bulgaria (4-1) and the Czech Republic (4-2). In the afternoon matches – against Almere and again Bulgaria – the Belgians completely dominated the proceedings again (2 wins 4-0). At the end of the first day, Belgium took the lead in Pool A.
But even more than the victories, it was the team spirit of these Red Giants and the happiness with which they were on the field that stood out. Even when the coach decided to leave captain Stijn on the bench against the Czech Republic – the weakest team in the tournament – and introduce a rule according to which a goal could only be scored once all Belgian players had touched the ball at least once, the whole team was delighted with the collective play provided! Back at the ‘campsite’, a first modest celebration was in order.
With the victories of the day before, a place in the final on Sunday was already assured for the Belgians. But the match against England would determine who the other finalist would be. It was undoubtedly the fatigue of the previous days which led to the first defeat of the weekend (1-4) for the Belgians. This involved a final against England again in the afternoon.
The Red Giants, stung, set the record straight in the final, beating England 2-0 thanks to careful hockey and unfailing concentration. The medal was therefore GOLD! Emotions were running high for the players and staff… coach Axel was even almost ‘bombarded’ by Prime Minister!
What a magnificent weekend for this Belgian Red Giants team… and by extension for all of Belgian hockey! We can all be very proud of these girls and boys for their excellent sporting results, and grateful for the great life lessons they gave us! GO GIANTS!
