With freezing temperatures over the weekend, a Dutch tradition might be possible again this year
Skating on natural ice outside is an enduring Dutch tradition, but for several years people have had to make do with artificial ice. Now though, it seems likely that Dutch residents will finally be able to skate on natural ice next week. Ice rinks may be opened if Coronavirus rules are followed, too, reports the Asser Courant.
“If it is cold enough, we will open next week,” says Peter van Dijk, chairman of the Ice Association Bedum. The board has already read up on the Coronavirus protocols made by the KNSB skating association. “No canteen, a separate entrance and exit, skating one and a half meters apart, no group formation”, sums up Van Dijk.
Sign up for an hour of skating
“We are only open to members. Everyone has to sign up in advance and can skate for an hour. Then it is the turn of the next group,” says Van Dijk. The club wants to prevent groups from forming, but still give many people the opportunity to tie on their skates.
In Midwolda, the board of Eigen Kracht will discuss whether non-members are also welcome. “Two years ago, on the first day, we immediately had 1300 skaters on the track,” says board member Klaas Drewel. “Fortunately our track is very large: five hectares. The track is one kilometer long, big enough to keep distance from each other. ”
Image: people skating on the frozen canals of Giethoorn, by Michel van der Vegt via Pixabay
