3rd National Congress Sport, Physical Activity and Health​​​​

Welcome to the 3rd National Congress on Sport, Physical Activity and Health – 20 June 2025, Arnhem.

On behalf of the organizing committee, it is our pleasure to welcome you to the third edition of the National Congress on Sport, Physical Activity and Health, taking place on Friday, 20 June 2025. The congress is jointly organized by Wageningen University & Research, HAN University of Applied Sciences, and the Nutrition and Healthcare Alliance.

The event is held in collaboration with De Watertoren (https://www.dewatertorensportenbewegen.nl), the national cooperation platform for all Dutch universities active in the field of sport, physical activity, and health.

This year’s venue is Sportcentrum Valkenhuizen in Arnhem. A great and easily accessible location (see Location TAB), not only ideal for the scientific programme but also perfect for getting active yourself during the lunch break and (re)connecting with both sports activities and fellow participants!

The aim of the congress is to strengthen collaboration among universities and to reinforce multi-, inter-, and transdisciplinary knowledge and innovation networks in sport, exercise, and health in the Netherlands. The congress program includes keynote lectures, symposia, and interactive workshops.

Keynote Speakers:

• Marco Mensink (WUR) & Rieneke Terink (Sports Valley, Hospital Gelderse Vallei, Ede)

  Vega, vidi, vici – Plant-based nutrition in (elite) sports

• Monique Berger (The Hague University of Applied Sciences)

  Inclusive Physical Activity – Bridging Gaps in Sport, Physical Activity & Health

Symposia : see full details under the PROGRAM tab

In short :

The symposia are organised into four parallel sessions, with currently over 40 confirmed speakers (!) covering a wide range of topics. These include the roadmaps of the Dutch Research Agenda (NWA) on exercise and health, as well as various other subjects, ranging from grassroots sport to elite performance.

1. Moving Smarter and Better

   Data and technology are key drivers in promoting physical activity across the lifespan – for both active and inactive individuals, with or without chronic conditions. Smart applications are essential for success.

2. Healthy Generation

   Promoting sport and exercise from an early age is vital to fostering an active, healthy lifestyle and supporting the vitality of Dutch society.

3. Exercise is Medicine

   Sport and physical activity play an important role in prevention among the population and serve as effective treatments for many patient groups – and should therefore be actively promoted.

4. Current topics in the field of sports, physiology, and nutrition, such as bone and tendon health, sports nutrition, lifestyle, and ageing.

Take an active break...

In addition to gaining knowledge and sharing insights, we can also take advantage of the excellent facilities that Valkenhuizen has to offer. Combined with a walking lunch, you will have the opportunity to (re)familiarise yourself with activities such as HYROX, BMX, e-gaming, pickleball, and more. We recommend wearing casual sportswear. While the activities are not intended to be physically demanding, appropriate attire will ensure you can comfortably take part (even showers are available if needed). The congress language is English, reflecting the international nature of the research community in sport, exercise, and health.

Registration is OPEN

Please register using the form provided on the website.

• Standard fee: €150 (includes coffee, tea, lunch, snacks, and drinks)

• Student/PhD candidate fee: €50

We look forward to welcoming you in Arnhem!

Best regards,

Myrthe van der Haijden

Marco Mensink

Lara Schepers

Alice Ricco

Renger Witkamp

Rieneke Terink

Jan Willem van Dijk

Hans Zwerver

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CONTACT : ncsbg2025@wur.nl