Genk (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – East Limburg Hospital ZOL and KRC Genk FRZA Foundation launch a 3-year partnership in Limburg offering health screenings, rehabilitation, sports programs, and community activities, supported by Medical Director Prof. Dr. Michiel Thorneer.
As VRT News reported, East Limburg Hospital (ZOL) and KRC Genk football club are joining forces to support patients and vulnerable groups in Limburg.
“Being sick is already difficult, but experiencing it alone makes it even harder,”
said Prof. Dr. Michiel Thorneer, Medical Director of ZOL. Over the next 3 years, the 2 organisations will run programs in preventive health, rehabilitation, and sports.
How will ZOL and KRC Genk FRZA Foundation’s 3-year health partnership impact Limburg?
The first event will take place on Sunday, September 21, 2025, during KRC Genk’s home match against Union. Supporters can take part in free heart screenings at a test stand at the stadium before the match.
“We’ll be launching a registration tool via social media so supporters can choose a time slot to have various heart tests performed in the two hours before the match,”
explains Jürgen Ritzen, Communications Manager at ZOL.
East Limburg Hospital (ZOL) and KRC Genk football club have expanded their partnership to include new health and community programs. The projects go beyond match days and aim to combine sports, health, and participation.
Seniors can take part in walking football sessions. Children who are overweight can join adapted football training to improve fitness, teamwork, and self-confidence. Young people will have the chance to learn first aid and CPR.
“The friendships and camaraderie you build through such activities are especially wonderful,”
explains Jürgen Ritzen.
“That’s what I find so powerful about this collaboration: that you’re not left to fend for yourself. After rehabilitation, you’re often left to fend for yourself. That’s not the case now; thanks to the KRC Genk Foundation, you’re receiving further support.”
The collaboration is planned for 3 years, but organisers hope it will continue longer. Jean Hendrix, a rehabilitation patient at ZOL and an indoor soccer enthusiast, has already seen positive results from the program.
“I’m thrilled with this collaboration. It’s a dream come true,”
said Dr. Michiel Thorneer, Medical Director at ZOL.
“We have agreed on a three-year term, but I would love for this project to last 10 years or longer.”
The KRC Genk Foundation was created in 2007 as the first Belgian football club initiative to focus strategically on social engagement. In November 2022, it was rebranded as the KRC Genk FRZA! Foundation.
The foundation has been recognised for its impactful work, receiving a prestigious 4-star label from the Pro League in June 2024 after an official audit of Belgian professional clubs’ foundations.
