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Gelderland | November 14, 2019

Richèl Hogenkamp: 'I have always had the opportunity to play sports'

26-year-old Richèl considers tennis a huge part of her life and believes everyone should have at least the opportunity to play sports. Richèl is a three-time Dutch tennis champion and is ranked 190th in the world. She believes it's important to support the Gelderland Youth Fund for Sports and Culture because she understands the importance of sports and their contribution to social development.

She hopes to inspire many people as an ambassador: "I'm often active abroad, and I'd love to share my experiences with the Youth Fund for Sport & Culture. By sharing photos and short videos, for example, I want to show how much fun sports are. I want to get children excited about sports, and tennis in particular. For me, it's the most beautiful sport there is. I want everyone to experience that."

Hogenkamp, from Gelderland, born and still lives in Doetinchem, says she was very lucky to be able to play her sport. “My parents gave me the opportunity to play tennis from the very beginning. They invested their time and energy in me, and I am incredibly grateful for that. I also know that this isn't the case for everyone. I've seen the other side of the coin firsthand at tournaments abroad: children begging on the streets or performing tricks for money. By taking on this ambassadorship, I want to do my part.”

Richèl Hogenkamp is currently ranked 190th in the world. She has reached the second round of both Roland Garros and Wimbledon, two prestigious tournaments, and two ITF tournaments (Koksijde and Prague). She has her sporting goals. "I definitely want to get back into the top 150. I'm training hard for that. That's where I try to get the best out of myself. As a tennis player and as an ambassador for the Gelderland Youth Sports and Culture Fund!"

Follow Richèl

www.richelhogenkamp.com
Twitter: @Richelhogenkamp
Instagram: richelhogenkamp92
Facebook: Richel Hogenkamp