On Sunday 4 October, Wiel Hansen was awarded the Silver Medal of Honour by the municipality of Apeldoorn. Mayor Ton Heerts presented the award during the anniversary celebrations of the AMHC Apeldoorn hockey club.
The award ceremony took place during the celebrations marking AMHC’s 98th anniversary, in the presence of members and others associated with the club. With this commemorative medal, the local council expresses its appreciation for the more than fifty years during which Hansen has dedicated himself to AMHC and hockey in the region.
Hansen has been involved with AMHC since 1975. Over the years, he has held various roles within the club. Among other things, he was involved in the refurbishment of the clubhouse, served on the board and played a key role in organising the 60th and 70th anniversary celebrations. He was also the initiator, organiser and driving force behind fitness tournaments, youth tournaments and international exchanges.
Hansen was also committed to the sport of hockey outside AMHC. In the 1990s, he became involved with the Stedendriehoek Company Hockey Foundation. This organisation brought – and continues to bring – together companies, organisations and hockey players from the region.
Goalkeepers hold a special place in Hansen’s commitment to AMHC. In 2006, he was involved in setting up the Goalkeepers’ Club. Since 2007, the Wiel Hansen Trophy has been awarded to the youth goalkeeper who has shown the most promising development over the course of a season. This year marks the twentieth time the trophy has been awarded.
Hansen also remained active as a hockey player for many years. He played in competitive matches until he was 87 and, later in life, represented the Dutch over-75s hockey team. Within the AMHC, he was appointed a Member of Merit in 1989 and an honorary member in 2014.
The municipality of Apeldoorn recognises Hansen for his long-standing and wide-ranging commitment to the sport of hockey, his dedication to young people and his contribution to fostering a sense of community within the club and the region.
By awarding the Silver Medal of Honour, Apeldoorn expresses its appreciation for someone who, for more than fifty years, has shown great dedication to AMHC and to hockey in Apeldoorn and the surrounding area.
The Silver Medal of Honour of the municipality of Apeldoorn was established in 1988. The medal is awarded as a token of appreciation to individuals and organisations who have rendered exceptional service to the community of the municipality of Apeldoorn and/or have demonstrated particularly courageous or compassionate behaviour.
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