We are living in a reality that has almost become normal. For elite sports, training is still allowed for the time being. At Papendal we created a corona-proof environment including keeping a distance, disinfection, facemasks and more. It is almost getting normal because it’s the situation for months now, but it will never really be normal. We call it the new temporary. In the summer and late summer even some (international) competitions have been held. Complete with quarantines, tests and bubbles. Situations like these lead up to new questions. How can we continue to guarantee a safe training environment at Papendal, even if the number of infections in the Netherlands continues to rise? How do we deal with top athletes who return from countries with a high infection rate? How do we prepare for any new
measures taken by the government? How can our top athletes continue to optimally prepare for the Olympic Games? Because the Olympic Games will be held in 2021, the IOC continues to emphasize. This means making choices, setting priorities, implementing our own measures and maintaining close contact with NOC*NSF (the National Olympic Committee), sports federations, the medical staff, the Municipality of Arnhem and our safety region. Every day. Fortunately, we are resilient, flexible and creative in sports. Characteristics that we badly need every day.
are several ways to achieve goals. Together. We take it step by step. With colleagues, top athletes, coaches, unions and numerous corporations and partners. Because we are in it together and we will overcome this together! Jochem Schellens, CEO Hotel and Olympic Training Centre Papendal
And so we keep making plans, we look ahead. Every day. That characterizes the real Dutch and top athletes. The road to our goal will be more winding than ever in the near future. But there
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