Amsterdam to host the 2016 European Athletics Championships

Helsinki, Finland, 4 November, 2011 – Today, in Helsinki, Finland, following a presentation to European Athletics (EA) council, the city of Amsterdam (HOL) was awarded the right to host the 2016 European Athletics Championships.

By awarding the Championships to Amsterdam, EA sends a strong signal for the development of Athletics throughout the continent. Indeed, Amsterdam envisions to organise an event "like never before" in terms of promotion and presentation, as well as by expanding its reach, linking it to grassroots and health programmes all over the country. This innovative proposal was rewarded by EA, an organisation that continuously promotes innovation in order to continue developing Athletics throughout the continent.

Ellen van Langen, 1992 Olympic gold medallist in the 800m and currently Head of Elite sport for the Royal Dutch Federation said, "We are proud to have been selected among such strong competitors and we thank the EA Council Members for their trust. We promise to deliver a European Championships like never before."

The President of the Royal Dutch Athletics Federation, Mr. Theo Hoex said "We thank EA for their support and we look forward to working closely with them to further promote Athletics in Europe and beyond, and to sustain the benefits of hosting EA's flagship event even beyond 2016."

Eric van der Burg, Vice-Mayor of Amsterdam, said "We are very proud to have been entrusted with this great event. This is also a milestone for the Netherlands and its vision to bring the Olympic Games to the country in 2028."

Amsterdam was competing against bids from Istanbul (TUR) and Split (CRO).

For more information about Amsterdam 2016, please contact:

Erna Jansen,
Head of Communications
Royal Dutch Athletics Federation