Netherlands 2018: Dutch delight at royal support

Princess Margriet attends 2018 Sitting Volleyball World Championships 17 Jul 2018
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Princess Margriet and a group of female sitting volleyball players grouped together on a court

Princess Margriet (top row centre) meets the Dutch women's sitting volleyball team

ⒸRita van Driel
By IPC

Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands paid a surprise visit to the 2018 Sitting Volleyball World Championships in Arnhem on Monday (16 July) to cheer on the Dutch women’s team against Rwanda.

The royal support paid off, as Netherlands cruised to their second successive victory 3-0 to secure a quarter final spot with one group game still to play.

Princess Margriet, who is an IPC Honorary Board member, joined the many orange supporters in the city’s Musis Theatre, helping to create a party and carnival-like atmosphere.

After the game, she took the time to meet members of the Dutch team, much to the delight of team captain Elvira Stinissen.

“It was a big surprise to see Princess Margriet at our match against Rwanda!” said Stinissen, a three-time Paralympian. “The atmosphere in the Musis Theatre was amazing and the match against Rwanda was strong.

“It was great to celebrate the win with the Princess who was, as always, very enthusiastic and involved in our sport.

“Our youngest player Jamie Bos (16) made her debut on Tuesday and got to talk with Princess Margriet, which was a very cool experience for her!”

On Wednesday the Dutch will play Canada in their final Group A match.

Sixteen women’s and 16 men’s team are competing in the 2018 Sitting Volleyball World Championships which run through to Sunday 22 July.