Marijke Fleuren joins the board of Foundation SAM as chair
Foundation SAM strengthens its board with one of the most influential and experienced administrators in international sports: Marijke Fleuren. An administrator who dedicates her career to integrity, equality and building a sports world where everyone feels at home. With her arrival, SAM takes another important step in increasing the impact on gender equality within sports and society.
A career dedicated to sports and equality
Marijke Fleuren (1950, Arnhem) studied law at the University of Groningen and worked as a university lecturer in labor law and social security at Leiden University. At a young age she played hockey at AHC Arnhem — the beginning of an impressive journey through the sports world.
She held various positions within the KNHB, including vice-chair and later deputy director, where she was responsible for competition and disciplinary matters and initiated the 'Sportiviteit & Respect' program. Additionally, from 2012 to 2019 she was a member of the core team of the national program 'Naar een veiliger sportklimaat' (Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport).
Her influence grew even further internationally:
- 2011–2023: Chair of the European Hockey Federation (EHF)
- Board member of the International Hockey Federation (FIH)
- 2015-2022: Member of the International Olympic Committee, Commission 'Women in Sport'
Under her chairmanship, the 'Equally Amazing' philosophy was developed: focused on equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of gender, origin or disability. For her contribution to sports and society, Marijke received among others:
- Honorary President EuroHockey (2023)
- Officer in the Order of Orange-Nassau (2024)
- Honorary Member FIH (2024)
Why Marijke chooses SAM
With her joining, the circle seems complete. Marijke sees in SAM the opportunity to connect her years of dedication to equal opportunities for everyone to a movement that works as connector and catalyst across all sports and year-round towards real change. "I am delighted to share that I am joining the board of Foundation SAM. SAM is a movement committed to more balance in gender equality ín sports — a theme I have been advocating for with conviction for years. Equality is not just a topic for a paragraph or a chapter in a strategy or policy document, but an integral value of a strong and future-proof sports world. SAM creates the movement and the energy needed to accelerate that shift in balance," says Fleuren.
A board in development – towards balance
With the arrival of Marijke, the board of Foundation SAM consists of three members: Hilke van der Wallen (Sustainability Manager Bernardus/ Solheim Cup 2026), Nienke Nijenhuis (Director/Administrator BrabantSport) and Marijke Fleuren. The board will grow in the coming months towards a balanced team of women and men. That balance is an integral part of SAM's mission.
About SAM
Foundation SAM is building a sports world where women and men get equal opportunities, visibility and appreciation. SAM works across all sports, year-round and uses elite sports and elite sports events as an accelerator for social impact.
This article was automatically translated from Dutch. Read the original Dutch version.
