Overijssel does not consider Triathlon Holten iconic, but then something special happens
In the Tubantia of June 13, extensive attention is given to the Triathlon Holten. You can find the article here:
The organization of Triathlon Holten has gone through a turbulent time. This year, the major sporting event receives thousands of euros less because the province is withdrawing the subsidy. However, 27 new sponsors have been found. “We have turned something negative into something positive.” About ups and downs.
Of course, it was a major disappointment. When the province of Overijssel decided to stop giving a subsidy to the triathlon, it was a shock to the organization. “We’ve been seen as iconic for twenty years. And now, according to the province, we are not that anymore.” Liesbeth Holterman, board member of the triathlon, is still surprised about it. The provincial decision has financial consequences for the annual sporting event, which previously always came out in the black. The organization is missing out on 60,000 euros three years in a row, a total of 180,000 euros less. “That is certainly 10 to 15 percent of our budget.” The event costs the organization at least 400,000 euros.
From doping control costs to prize money
Where does that money go? Every year, fences, tents, and grandstands are rented. In addition, there is prize money, rescue team, security, and doping control costs. “We are the only triathlon in Europe with a premium status,” Holterman says. “We will not compromise on quality. After the withdrawal of the subsidy, it was all hands on deck to ensure the sports festival could still go on. “We wanted to lay concrete slabs at the Domelaar this year so you can watch there even if it’s muddy. Although the subsidy seemed certain, we waited with the order. Luckily so. The concrete slabs will not be there now.”
More revenue and less cost
The organization has critically assessed all expenses. “We are financially healthy, but now we have to be careful,” says Martin Kemper, who, as a board member, is responsible for the sponsors. The income side has also been considered. For example, the coin price has been increased from 2.90 euros to 3 euros. “If the weather is bad, you have less revenue from drinks. This is more tense than in other years. Moreover, visitors will have to pay for a parking space in the field behind the station for the first time. Price: 5 euros. “We rent this field. Previously we bore those costs ourselves, now we will pass them on to the visitors,” Kemper explains. “This way, it’s just not cost-covering. We are a foundation, made up of volunteers, and we don’t have to make a profit.
More sponsors
But the loss of the subsidy has also brought something positive, according to Kemper. “We now know that the municipality stands firmly behind us. They repeatedly state that we are indeed iconic. Additionally, our sponsors have supported us tremendously.” After all, more than half of the costs are covered by them. Kemper has strengthened ties with entrepreneurs. With results: the triathlon has 27 new ‘Friends of’ and sponsors. Contributions range from 550 euros to 20,000 euros. The greatest growth was among the ‘Friends of’, of which there were 38 five years ago. This year alone, 19 have been added, bringing the total to 100.
From VIP to construction worker
Kemper has now got the hang of it: “I still have a list of companies I want to approach next year. It’s long gone only a Holten party. We’re moving from local to regional, and who knows, maybe national.” The networking event is also in demand, Kemper notes. “People don’t just come for an hour, but for the whole evening. You see a nice mix, from VIPs to construction workers. Normally about 70 to 100 people come, last month there were 180. We were surprised by the number, but fortunately, it fit in the hospitality area.”
What about the objection?
But what about the objection? Triathlon Holten has objected to the province’s decision to stop the subsidy. The organization has therefore filed Woo requests and requested documents to gain full insight. These documents must be provided by law within six weeks, but Overijssel has requested a postponement. As a result, the objection has not yet been addressed. “The hearing is likely after the summer.” What the outcome of the objection will be is still unclear, but the future of the triathlon is not, the organization reports. The sporting event remains. From next year, the festive fortieth edition, the triathlon will be on the first Saturday of July.
Triathlon Holten in numbers
This year is the 39th edition of the Triathlon Holten.
More than 1000 volunteers help annually with the Triathlon.
2300 athletes appear at the start.
There are participants from 30 different countries, including New Zealand, Australia, and Japan.
The organization expects 15,000 spectators.
Triathlon Holten is this year on June 20 and 21.
