“You have made Badminton ’80 a community: a place where people meet, play sports together, and pitch in for one another. And you can be very proud of that,” Mayor Haseloop-Amsing said during the presentation.
Known to acquaintances as Harmke, she helped found Badminton ’80 forty-five years ago and served as the club’s first chairperson.
Four Decades of Service at Badminton ’80
Since the club’s inception forty-five years ago, Van de Werfhorst has filled almost every operational role imaginable within the organization. Her tenure included stints as chairperson, general board member, trainer, senior and junior competition leader, and tournament organizer. She also spent numerous years working hands-on as an activity volunteer, general helper, and bar attendant.
Her contributions extended far beyond administrative titles. She coached youth players, recreational members, and competitive athletes alike, running training sessions and matches while mentoring incoming volunteers. Even after stepping back from formal leadership duties, she maintained a presence at the club. She continued guiding operations, including working closely with the current chairperson of Badminton ’80—who is also her son, Rémon.
Decades on the Regional and National Lijnrechter Circuit
Beyond her local club duties, Van de Werfhorst maintained a presence in regional and national badminton governance. She took part in regional meetings and tournament planning sessions, while also spending decades working as an official line judge—known in Dutch as a lijnrechter—for Badminton Nederland. Her officiating assignments included high-profile fixtures such as the Dutch National Championships and the Yonex Dutch Open. In recognition of that officiating service, Badminton Nederland awarded her an honorary medal in 2025.
During the ceremony, Mayor Haseloop-Amsing addressed her contributions on behalf of the board of mayor and aldermen (B&W), highlighting how her sustained involvement shaped the local sporting landscape into an enduring community hub.
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