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Do you know...Sicco den Hollander?

Sicco den Hollander (28), handball player, participating for the first time in the EuroGames, and was immediately assigned a huge task as tournament coordinator. Café Strano customers may see Sicco enter the café with 100 handball players. 

Sicco den Hollander, what are you going to do for the Games in Rotterdam?
'Organise the handball tournament. I was busy organising a team when I was asked to organise the whole tournament. I have played handball for 19 years. Organising it is not too bad. We had to reserve a hall for about one hundred athletes as well as plan the schedule. Via the national handball federation, we were able to get referees who will be using this as an internship opportunity. My federation is also rolling up it sleeves and helping during the EuroGames. Additionally, I help athletes with all sorts of information. Someone recently asked me if they could play using adhesive resin. Using the resin provides a better more effective throw. We now advise all teams to use a water soluble resin. This was decided upon in agreement with the EuroGames Organisation team.

Are there complaints at your work about your volunteering for the Games?
'No. I never bother anyone at my work with my volunteer work. It is more likely that the volunteer work gets interrupted by the extensive travel I do for my work, and am not readily available. I work for a company which delivers parts to the oil and gas industries. So I may be sitting in my hotel room in Calicut, India responding to emails about the EuroGames.'

3 Months to go, have you got all the participants you hoped to get?
'Up-till now, there are 7 teams registered. Once a few more women's teams register, Paris is ready to join with 2 teams!

What Rotterdam hotspot are you hoping to secure for yourself?
'I prefer to share places, for instance café Strano. Yes, perhaps in July, I might walk in with 100 handball players. Ah, unfortunately the café is too small. Because of the recent nice weather, I explored the beautiful Vroesen Park in Rotterdam- North. It was so busy, and so nice. Hopefully we can enjoy it there with the participants, even though the Kralingse Plas is closer to the sporting events. We are still working out some ideas.'

How important are the EuroGames in your life?
'I haven't participated before, but it is an honour to represent Rotterdam. I am beginning to appreciate the existence of the EuroGames. It's nice to be part of the whole thing.'

What is the highest achievement you have reached in your life?
"In my study, I have five medals, between all the souvenirs, from the time my team became the Dutch Field Handball Champions. I think that was the last time, in 2009"

Who would you most like to show the EuroGames to?
"Anyone whose idea it is that it is just a stereotype, an exaggerated picture of gay men, lesbians and bisexuals. It's really a cross-section of society. Perhaps in particular are members of the Christian Union Party. We are here and we interact just like the rest, without embarrassment.