In the run-up to Dutch Water Week, we put a number of people involved in the spotlight. We kick off with Nik Smit. Five questions to the director of Almere City Marketing. “We want to show how water contributes to a better quality of life.”
What is Almere’s role in Dutch Water Week?
“Almere is obviously the location where it all happens. We are happy to facilitate and welcome participants and visitors with open arms.”
What does Dutch Water Week mean for Almere?
“We would like to show people who aren’t already aware how water-rich Almere is, how water sports are encouraged and thriving here and how living by the water contributes to a better quality of life.”
Why are Dutch Water Week and Almere a good match?
“Partly because of the accessibility. With the Gooimeer and the IJmeer on one side and the Markermeer further on, we are really connected to the water. Almere has three harbors, many waterfront homes and plenty of opportunities for water sports enthusiasts and other water recreation fans. For me personally, it was the reason to move to Almere. I’m a passionate sailor myself.”
What do we not yet know about Almere but do we need to know?
“We have 800 bridges here, which is twice as many as Venice. We have eleven beaches, a long coastline and I could go on and on. People in Tilburg probably don’t know how watery and green the city of Almere is. You should know how water sports-minded we are. We have a large catamaran beach, a youth sailing center and a great diversity of water sports. Windsurfing star Lilian de Geus grew up in Almere and rower Niki van Sprang also learned it here on the long canals and made it to the Olympics.”
Do you have any tips for visitors and what are you really looking forward to yourself?
“When you do come here for all the beauty in the Dutch Water Week you might also want to plan a visit to the Floriade which is going on at that time. I would also advise visitors with children to visit the city center, where the city beach Optimist on Tour has put up its tents. There, children can get to know water sports in a fun way. Personally, I hope to experience as much as possible of the activities and I am certainly looking forward to a visit to the Race Village.”
