Herentals (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Sport Vlaanderen launched a Ninja Warrior-style obstacle course in Herentals, led by Philippe Paquay, to boost kids’ motor skills. OCR is growing in Belgium, with 400 athletes in Flanders.
As VRT News reported, Sport Vlaanderen has launched its first Ninja Warrior-style obstacle course at its multi-sport centre in Herentals, in the province of Antwerp, Belgium. This new course is designed to boost the experience of children attending Sport Vlaanderen’s sports camps. The project, spearheaded by administrator-general Philippe Paquay, focuses on providing a dynamic and physically engaging environment.
Kids will have the chance to crawl, pull, roll, and climb. Paquay highlights that this initiative is particularly important because the physical abilities of many young children are declining. By incorporating these types of movement-based challenges, Sport Vlaanderen aims to reintroduce fun, skill-building physical activity in a way that appeals to younger generations.
How will Sport Vlaanderen’s new Ninja Warrior course impact kids and OCR in Flanders?
According to Paquay, this is key because kids’ physical skills are sometimes not as good as they should be. Sport Vlaanderen wants to bring back fun, active play. The course is like the Ninja Warrior shows on TV. It gives kids challenges that help them move in many ways. It’s not just for kids; sports clubs, top athletes, and adults can use it too.
Paquay says it’s great for freerunners who used to do gymnastics. This course fits with new sports trends. Obstacle courses will be in the Olympics in 2028. He mentioned that it gives kids a chance to try what they see on TV.
“Young people from here see that on TV and can now try it out here too”
Philippe Paquay, Sports Flanders
Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) is getting more popular in Belgium, especially in Flanders. Thibault Debusschere has been doing OCR for over 10 years. The COVID-19 pandemic slowed things down, but now it’s back and even better.
Belgium now has its own OCR federation. The federation organises races every month. These races are for both top athletes and people who just want to have fun. More and more people are joining because they like fitness challenges. They want to push themselves or find a new way to exercise.
Minister of Sport Annick De Ridder tried out the new Ninja Warrior course in Herentals. She said it was “very tough” and a great workout. OCR needs strength, stamina, coordination, and courage. De Ridder thinks it’s a very complete sport and good for everyone. About 400 people in Flanders are already doing OCR in sports clubs. With more courses like this, OCR will get even bigger.
