The sports program for the 2026-2027 academic year has changed.
On Thursday, October 8, the University of Groningen received partner recognition from the Groningen Provincial Physical Activity Agreement (GPB). Rector Magnificus Jacquelien Scherpen accepted the recognition in the Academy Building from Simone Smuling of Huis voor de Sport Groningen. The University of Groningen hosted the partner meeting that morning.
The GPB is a collaboration of more than fifty partners committed to an active and healthy lifestyle for all residents of the province of Groningen, from young to old. The RUG contributes to this through its scientific knowledge and societal role.
'The RUG is a partner because, based on our expertise and societal role, we can contribute to a healthier and more vital Groningen,' says Scherpen. 'We do this in various ways: through research into sport, physical activity, and motivation, by connecting scientific knowledge with practice, and by, for example, deploying our elite student athletes to inspire others.'
According to Scherpen, the agreement offers a valuable network for applying knowledge in society. For her, the strength of the partnership lies in bringing together knowledge, practice, and inspiration.
No single organization can solve the societal challenges regarding physical activity and health alone. A university can conduct extensive research, but needs partners to put that knowledge into practice. If we connect the different perspectives, we can achieve more than each individually.
After the presentation of the partner recognition in the Senate Chamber, the program continued with, among other things, a conversation with Nico van Yperen, Professor of Sports and Performance Psychology at the University of Groningen. He spoke about societal challenges and their urgency in the province of Groningen.
Scherpen emphasizes that the collaboration ultimately revolves around the residents of the province of Groningen: children discovering the joy of movement, adults who want to stay active, and the volunteers and professionals who make that possible.
And for an environment where everyone gets the chance to participate. If we can contribute to that together with our diverse knowledge, experience, and networks, we will truly make an impact. Because to get Groningen moving, we ourselves must also keep moving.
Simone Smuling and Jacquelien Scherpen
On Thursday 8 October, the University of Groningen received partner recognition from the Groningen Provincial Physical Activity Agreement (GPB). Rector Magnificus Jacquelien Scherpen accepted the recognition from Simone Smuling of Huis voor de Sport Groningen at the Academy Building. The UG hosted the partner meeting that morning.
The GPB brings together more than fifty partners committed to promoting an active and healthy lifestyle for all residents of the province of Groningen, from young to old. The UG contributes through its scientific expertise and role in society.
“The UG is a partner because our knowledge and role in society enable us to contribute to a healthier and more vibrant Groningen,” said Scherpen. “We do this in various ways: through research into sport, physical activity and motivation, by connecting scientific knowledge with practice, and by involving our elite student athletes in inspiring others.”
According to Scherpen, the agreement provides a valuable network for putting knowledge into practice in society. For her, the strength of the partnership lies in bringing together knowledge, practice and inspiration.
“No organization can tackle the societal challenges surrounding physical activity and health on its own. A university can conduct extensive research, but it needs partners to put that knowledge into practice. By connecting our different perspectives, we can achieve more together than we could individually.”
Following the presentation of the partner recognition in the Senate Room, the program continued with, among other activities, a discussion with Nico van Yperen, Professor of Sport and Performance Psychology at the UG. He spoke about societal challenges in the province of Groningen and the urgency of addressing them.
Scherpen emphasizes that the partnership is ultimately about the people of Groningen: children discovering the joy of physical activity, adults finding ways to stay active, and the volunteers and professionals who make this possible.
“And about an environment in which everyone has the opportunity to participate. If we can contribute together, drawing on our different expertise, experience and networks, we can make a real impact. Because to get Groningen moving, we need to keep moving ourselves.”
Simone Smuling and Jacquelien Scherpen
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