The Belgium National Olympic Committee (BOIC) on 24 July organised their first-ever ‘Parents Night’ during the European Youth Olympic Festival Maribor 2023 to thank them for their support of their young athletes competing at the event.
After recently creating an Athletes’ Entourage Commission the BOIC looked to put their strategy into action by hosting an event to strengthen the support of the athletes’ entourage. The ‘Parents Night’ took place at the 360 Luft rooftop bar in Maribor where the parents and siblings of athletes competing in Maribor could come together and celebrate being part of the team.
The evening was hosted by BOIC President Jean-Michel Saive – OLY and CEO Cédric Van Branteghem – OLY and saw more the 150 people in attendance.
Jean-Michel Saive said: “What would an athlete do without his or her parents? Especially for young athletes, parents are key members of an athletes’ entourage. Recently, the BOIC created an Athletes’ Entourage Commission, following the example of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Organising a ‘Parents Night’ during this European Youth Olympic Festival fits perfectly within our strategy to strengthen the entourage of athletes.”
Cédric Van Branteghem said: “For many athletes, their parents are probably their most loyal supporters. As BOIC, it is important to create this connection and value the parents of our young athletes. This ‘Parents Night’ is a great opportunity to say thank you to all parents, not only for travelling more than 1000km to get here, but also for all their efforts day in day out each year to support their athlete to achieve their dreams.”
The BOIC also expressed their thanks to the Olympic Committee of Slovenia and the EYOF Maribor 2023 for their support in setting up the Parents Night event.
