Normally, at the beginning of every new year, I read my speech in a full clubhouse.
Smiling members, shaking hands, best wishes and the drink flows freely.
During the speech I look back and especially look ahead to what is to come.
What I never dared to think is now a fact, the clubhouse is empty, no laughter, no shaking hands, none of this, the club is closed!
Before my speech, I always ask for a moment of silence for our members who have passed away this year or for those who are struggling. Also now, looking over our accommodation, I stand still in my thoughts and I think of Henk van de Hel, Herman Wegerif and Henk Bakkenes, WSV’ers who have given color to our association. I am thinking of partners and family of our members who have passed away and of our people who are struggling in this corona crisis.
All I can do now is entrust my speech to the paper and hope people will read it as I intended. No, this year did not turn out as we expected.
The first year (2016-2017) of our administrative period was mainly a year of looking inwards, what happens and what can be done differently? In the second year (2017-2018) we focused on internal processes and direct costs. A process for the confidential advisers has been set up, the volunteer policy has started and the private use behind the bar has been reduced.
The coin policy has been adjusted and energy costs have been reduced by installing LED lighting in the hall.
The third year 2018-2019) was of course dedicated to our centenary celebration, but also to sowing commercial success. Many conversations with the municipality and province, external tenants and other associations. A commercial plan has been drawn up and initial contacts have been made with a number of entrepreneurs to intensify cooperation.
The fourth year (2019-2020) had to be the harvest year!
Collaboration with the Cricket Association, a major international sports tournament over several days and a major CrossFit tournament. Of course, the boxing gala would take place again, various external parties have made reservations for meeting rooms and the clubhouse would get a makeover. We would also proceed to implement the actions for Vitaal Sportpark de Voorzijds in order to remain an important club within Apeldoorn for the future.
But unfortunately everything turned out differently …… .. In March everything had to close, meetings suddenly had to be online and where it was normally hectic and busy at the club, it suddenly became quiet.
Of course, it all went on behind the scenes. The departments maintain contact with the members in various ways and activities are organized online. Protocols are written and shared with the municipality. Walking directions are made and agreements have been made about the admission of members and spectators.
At the moment it is still not clear when active sports can be played again by all ages. Partly sports will be possible again in January, but we are still far from reaching the level that everyone can exercise again.
That is why the year 2021 is more important than ever. The income from the bar and the rental has almost completely disappeared. Fortunately, we are a healthy club and we have good finances. Together with the financial Corona arrangements, we do not have to worry immediately and the suffering is still a bit manageable.
We are happy and grateful that all members continue to support us so deeply and continue to pay their membership faithfully. Without them it was almost impossible to survive in this situation. We are also grateful to our sponsors that, despite their difficulties, they continue to support WSV faithfully. This just shows how strong we can be together.
Yes, the club is still doing well! But this would not have been possible at all without the efforts of all those volunteers. Without their commitment, even in these difficult times there is no club, there is no WSV. My special thanks go to all the drivers who are doing everything they can during this time to keep everything running as good and as bad. It is indeed not easy, sometimes short fuses, rules that are constantly changing. And yet it is done again! Thanks, thanks, thanks!
It remains unclear how long this will all take, but 2021 will have to be a better year. I don’t know if we can shake hands but hopefully we will just see each other again.
Hopefully we can discuss nothing again and we can especially enjoy sports again. Because an association unites, WSV unites and that’s what it’s all about!
Especially in 2021, we will have to put our shoulders together, because “NOBODY IS BIGGER THAN THE CLUB”
Regards,
Dennis Wooning
(chairman Omnisport association WSV)
