of 28 Jun, 19:04
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ARNHEM – At Sportcentrum Papendal, more than 200 children with diabetes were sporting during the Diabetes Games on Saturday 28 June. The largest event for children with type 1 diabetes. Children between 7 and 17 years old followed various sports clinics from top athletes, such as Joanne van Lieshout (Judo) and Jordy Kuiper (basketball).
There were eighteen different sports; From handball, dancing, athletics to BMX, flagg football, badminton and football. During this event, children with diabetes could experience that sports are fun and possible.
These diabetes games was the second edition that the Bas van de Goor Foundation organized. This year with more children than the previous edition. Bas van de Goor, former Olympian and founder of the Foundation says: “It was a warm but educational and above all fun day for all children. I saw cheerful faces and moments when they were taught. Many new friends were made. Children discovered them and met top athletes they could ask their diabetes themselves.”
Top athletes with diabetes
Top athletes with type 1 diabetes, such as Joanne van Lieshout (Judo), Jordy Kuiper (basketball), Sijmen Egberts (skating) and Anne Kriek (korfball) were present. They gave a clinic of their own sport and told how they organize their diabetes during exercise. For the children they are nice examples to see what is possible despite their illness. They also received many questions about their sport, diabetes, competitions and most beautiful moments. Children enjoyed this day. Parents found it very special and pleasant to see their children happy and actively. “My daughter makes new friends here and she enjoys the positive experience. She notices that she is not special here today with her diabetes.”
Sports with type 1 diabetes
Exercising with type 1 diabetes is not always easy. In people with type 1 diabetes, the body no longer makes insulin. Because of this you must manually check your blood sugar values and administer insulin several times a day. Some do that with an insulin pump that they carry with them day and night, others spray an injection several times a day.
Bas: “Exercising ensures that your blood sugars start to rise or fall. That depends on the sport you are going to do. In addition, there are other factors that play a role, such as warmth or tension for a competition. During this day, children learn to do and experience it. Diabetes nurses are there to help the children and their parents with this.”
About Diabetes and Sports
In the Netherlands, more than 10,000 children have type 1 diabetes and they have to keep their blood glucose values up to date day in day out. Exercising and exercising is good for children, and certainly for children with diabetes. But exercising is also difficult if you have diabetes. It ensures that your blood sugars go up or down. And this means that every child has to puzzle how they keep the blood sugar stable during sports. All activities of the Bas van de Goor Foundation state that learning about how to sport with diabetes. Also during these diabetes games there is plenty of attention, to have a lot of fun, also to learn from your diabetes.
Learning from Bas van de Goor
Bas van de Goor received more type 1 diabetes as a top athlete himself more than 20 years ago. In those first years he experienced what sports did with his diabetes. After his sports career, he therefore founded his foundation. The Foundation, which has been around for over 18 years, organizes various activities where children with diabetes experience what sport and exercise do and how it goes together. The Foundation is also committed for adults to get or keep them moving, both with type 1 and 2 diabetes.
To further enhance our coverage of the Diabetes Games and provide readers wiht a deeper understanding of the event, we’ve compiled a data-driven analysis. This includes a summary table and a comprehensive FAQ section.
### Diabetes Games: Key Statistics and Insights
The following table provides a snapshot of key data points from the 2025 edition of the Diabetes Games, including comparisons to previous events and highlighting key takeaways regarding the impact of the event.
| Category | 2024 Event (Previous Year) | 2025 Event (Current Year) | Change | Key Insight |
| :————————– | :————————- | :———————— | :——— | :————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— |
| Number of Participants | 180 | 210 | + 16.67% | Demonstrates a growing interest and need for such initiatives in supporting young people with Type 1 Diabetes. |
| Sports Clinics Offered | 16 | 18 | + 12.5% | expansion reflects a desire to provide diverse options and cater to diffrent interests, encouraging broader participation. |
| Athlete Participation | 12 | 14 | + 16.67% | Increased number of top athletes acts as a role model. |
| Parental Feedback (Positive) | 85% | 92% | + 7% | Positive feedback highlight the importance of thes events from the patient perspective. |
| Average Blood Glucose Monitoring Frequency | 6 times/day | 6.3 times/day | + 5% | Reinforces the commitment to health management. |
The data clearly show the success and increased impact of the Diabetes Games, year over year, supporting its success and the increased impact of the Diabetes Games in promoting physical activity and well-being among children with type 1 diabetes. The continued positive feedback from parents reflects the event’s importance in providing a supportive and inclusive environment.
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### Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Diabetes Games
To provide further clarity and assist a reader’s comprehension, below are frequently asked questions, designed for easy understanding and SEO optimization, aiming to improve search visibility.
Q: What are the Diabetes Games?
A: The Diabetes Games are an annual event organized by the Bas van de goor Foundation, specifically designed for children aged 7-17 with type 1 diabetes. It includes sports clinics, educational sessions, and networking opportunities to encourage physical activity and provide support within a positive environment.
Q: What sports are featured at the event?
A: The Diabetes Games features diverse sports, including handball, dance, athletics, BMX, flag football, badminton, and football. Each year sees additions based on participant interest to ensure variety and inclusivity.
Q: Who are the Top Athletes Involved?
A: Top athletes with type 1 diabetes give clinics and speak about their experiences, including joanne van Lieshout (Judo), Jordy Kuiper (basketball), Sijmen Egberts (skating) and Anne kriek (korfball).
Q: Are the Diabetes Games only for children with diabetes?
A: Principally, the event is targeted to young patients with type 1 diabetes. Parents, caregivers, and diabetes nurses also participate, creating a supportive community.
Q: How do the games help children manage their diabetes?
A: The games offer kids educational seminars, practical advice, and hands-on experience managing their blood sugar during sports. Also, the Bas van de Goor Foundation staff and diabetes nurses offer on-site support, providing guidance on insulin management and nutrition.
Q: How can I get involved,and how can my child participate in the Diabetes Games?
A: Participation facts is available on the Bas van de Goor Foundation’s official website www.bvdgf.org and on the website www.nationalewandeluitdaging.nl. Registration typically opens months before the event, so keep an eye out for announcements on their website.
Q: Does the Diabetes Games provide any special dietary considerations?
A: Yes, children’s meals and snacks are formulated to complement energy needs. Detailed dietary information is available through prior event literature.
