PCU Antwerp Sports Personality Award

Yesterday (February 14th) the PCU Antwerp (Belgium) awarded its yearly Honorary Rector Francis Van Loon-award to the ‘best’ University of Antwerp topsport student.

Three of the four nominees were 2016 Olympic Participants (swimmers Kimberly Buys and Basten Caerts and 800m-runner Renée Eykens), while the fourth nominee (Arthur De Sloover) is a member of the Belgium U-21 hockey team, who took home the silver medal at the recent World Championships.

After introductions and a keynote speech by sport psychologist Jef Brouwers, the winner – based on voted cast by University of Antwerp students – was announced to be Renée Eykens, bachelor-student kinesitherapy, who reached the semi-finals of the 800m Women at last year’s Rio Olympic Games.

Furthermore the PCU Antwerp International Sports Personality was awarded to Dutch former speed skater Marianne Timmer, for creating a motivational online sports platform for children (called Gympie).

Finally sister club Panathlon Antwerp awarded its yearly Sports Personality Award to Paul Vermeiren (Archery 4th place at the 1996 Olympics) for his initiatives to promote his sport in Antwerp and Belgium.