Jeroen Kaslander
Athlete

As a young boy, full of enthusiasm and ambition, I still remember my first Flower Cup. Born and raised in Aalsmeer, every Flower Cup was quite literally a home game for me. Under the leadership of Rien de Ruiter at Olympia (later Omnia) Aalsmeer, any gymnast with 'a bit of fire in their belly' was quickly prepared to compete on this global stage. The compulsory routines had to be performed 'as best as possible' simply to be ready for international competition. That same process shaped me early on, and if I recall correctly, my first Flower Cup was over 30 years ago when I was just nine years old. Every edition, I would ride my bike from home to the venue, and the memories are endless…

From world champions to local heroes. From athletes and coaches sleeping in Hall 2 in the early years, to after-parties with international sports friends. From the fierce battles for a spot in the warm-up area back then, to today's well- organized queues. From rough football matches against the German team behind the curtain in Hall 2, to an army of frustrated international coaches standing next to the trampoline, watching their exhausted athletes give everything on the competition floor. From failing time-of-flight machines and nervous glances under the podium in the early Olympic cycles, to the well-oiled machine of scripted and coordinated volunteer teams. From winning a Flower Cup in a top season, to testing new skills outside the World Cup season— sometimes resulting in inevitable crashes. From competition pressure, blossoming love, and friendships on and off the floor, to rivals cracking under the intensity of the moment. From cleaning up the hall after the event with my best friends—seamlessly transitioning from athletes to volunteers—to the well- earned celebratory drink, sometimes sneaking a few free drink vouchers from the volunteer team. From childhood camaraderie, growing up together as young athletes, to facing off as rivals on the world stage, and eventually watching those same champions become the next generation of coaches, judges, and officials.

From my mother, Margré, selling tickets at the entrance, to my entire family and friends standing proudly in the audience, right next to the mayor of Aalsmeer. From my sister Maaike competing as an athlete, to later marching in as a volunteer in front of my now-wife (and mother of our children), top athlete Tara Fokké. From my father, Fred, who dedicated years as a volunteer on the organizing team, to always being by my side, standing next to the trampoline. From Rien de Ruiter's stern words about courage, perseverance, and the discreet thumbs-up for good luck before a routine, to his final farewell and the kind words from colleagues in his honor…

Beyond my own experiences, I know countless anecdotes of love, sportsmanship, perseverance, friendship, and raw emotion—all sparked event: the Flower Cup. Today, on competition day, I've shown this event two sons, proud to say I was once a participant, a winner, an unofficial volunteer, and a full-fledged partygoer. As a dad, I salute the athletes, judges, and coaches today and wish them all an unforgettable experience—you all deserve it! I want to express my deepest gratitude to the organization, the committee, and 'de Aalsmeer Flower Cup', but just as much to all the volunteers who made this tournament what it was.

With love,
Jeroen(tje) Kaslander (Olympia/Omnia/TVIJ/ProPatria/FlikFlak)