EnergyVision supports the 'Talent Team' long-distance running.

GHENT, 14 NOVEMBER 2024 – On the sidelines of recent developments in the high-performance sports policy of the Flemish Athletics Federation, coach Dirk Engelen, with the support of EnergyVision, is launching the EnergyVision Talent Team. This private initiative provides young long-distance runners with an inspiring environment to pursue their ambitions.

The recent developments within the high-performance sports policy of 'Atletiek Vlaanderen' (VAL) have raised deep concerns among elite coaches and athletes. The current policy, focused on a centralized model from Ghent, seems to disregard the voice and expertise of elite coaches and has put many athletes in an uncomfortable situation.

Especially long-distance running, which has clearly been on the rise in recent years, appears to be the one suffering. With the planned closure of the training center in Leuven, all ongoing programs related to middle and long-distance running have been unilaterally dismissed.
 

EnergyVision Talent Team  

In order to ensure that all the work already done is not lost and to continue supporting a talented training group, elite coach Dirk Engelen has taken the initiative to seek support from the private sector. With the help of EnergyVision, the main sponsor of the 'EnergyVision CrossCup,' he will establish the 'EnergyVision Talent Team.' This team will provide both financial and logistical support for talented athletes.

"We are very grateful to EnergyVision," says Engelen. "The new policy of Atletiek Vlaanderen falls short by abruptly stopping well-functioning programs for young long-distance runners. Thanks to this new collaboration, we can offer a group of talented athletes the perspectives they deserve. We want to provide them with the opportunity to develop and also keep Leuven as a top location for (half) fond talents. Having access to the services of KUL is an enormous added value."

Ensuring Talent Development in Belgium 

“We hope that the discussions between the federation, coaches, and athletes will lead to a positive outcome,” says Laurens De Greef, Head of Marketing at EnergyVision. “In the meantime, we are financially contributing to ensure the continuity of talent development. For young prospects for whom Ghent is less accessible, either due to distance or because they are studying in Leuven, we are making sure they continue to receive the necessary support there.”

"With a heart for athletics, we are committed to the continuity and development of talent in Belgium, while respecting everyone’s role and remaining completely neutral in our operations," De Greef continues. "We wish athletes, coaches, and the federation constructive discussions and a solution that works for all parties," he concludes.