Groene Appeltjes (Green Apples)

During the introductory meeting, we not only look at the athletic goals but also focus on the motivation and personal story. The drivers and experiences of the athletes can be an inspiration for others. Not only through the successes they achieve, but also through their perseverance and resilience. Additionally, we find it important that the Green Apples are aware of the world around them. They contribute to the good causes of Reggeborgh Foundation and run clinics at primary schools and sports clubs. In this way, they pass on their life experiences to the upcoming generation of athletes.

We support our Green Apples in various ways. In addition to a contribution for, for example, training camps, competitions, or equipment, we offer the opportunity to share our knowledge and experience through top athletes and professionals who are connected to our Reggeborgh athlete family.

We are proud to present our Green Apples: Jelle Snippe (judoka), Maarten ter Hofte (wheelchair tennis player), Aniek Mars (triathlete), Max Swabedissen (athlete), and Loes Kempe (middle-distance runner).

Jelle Snippe

Born in Enschede, Jelle Snippe, weighing 113 kg, is a lightweight among the heavyweights in judo. We’ve been following him for several years, and the contact has always remained. Therefore, we are very proud that he is our first Green Apple. In 2023, Jelle made a significant leap to the world top with a Grand Slam victory in Turkey and a bronze European Championship medal in Baku. And it’s now official: Jelle has also secured his Olympic ticket. This summer, he will debut at the Olympic Games in Paris. "A dream comes true," are his words. On August 2 and 3, it will happen; he will give everything to achieve his victory.

Maarten ter Hofte

We also support the 20-year-old wheelchair tennis player Maarten ter Hofte from Goor, who will debut at the Paralympics in Paris this summer. Maarten has Spina Bifida, also known as the congenital condition 'open spine,' which weakens the muscles in his lower legs. As a 7-year-old, he never imagined that wheelchair tennis would become his sport. Football was his passion, but when his legs could no longer carry him, he swapped his football boots for a tennis racket. Maarten was soon discovered and scouted as a talent for the Dutch tennis team, of which he is still a member. The incredible growth he is now experiencing is impressive and wonderful to follow. Maarten is truly an inspiration for many, and we are incredibly proud that he is our first para-athlete in the Green Apples programme.

Aniek Mars 

We also support and follow 20-year-old Aniek Mars from Raalte in her sports career as a triathlete. From a young age, it was noticeable that Aniek was athletically inclined. She liked to clamber on top of everything. Yet she opted for competitive swimming, while also taking part in running races with her sister. Through a youth clinic at Triade Zwolle, Aniek came into contact with triathlon five years ago. To her surprise, she immediately competed well at an NK and has since become Dutch Champion in the under-23 age category. Currently, Aniek trains full-time at the Nationaal Triathlon Trainingscentrum in Sittard. Her goal is clear; in 2028 she wants to be at the start of the Olympic Games in Los Angeles. On her way there, she will develop great qualities that will benefit her for life and inspire young people.

Max Swabedissen

Talented athlete Max Swabedissen from Rijssen also joins our Green Apples. Max specialises in the 800 and 1500 metres. ‘My big dream is to be at the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028,’ he says.

We know Max from his time at AV Rijssen and have watched him grow every year. He joined David Hutten's AV Rijssen Talent team and then made the move to the Dutch selection. Since 5.5 years, Max has been training at Papendal under the guidance of Honere Hoedt. To help Max realise his dream, we provide financial support for his training and competition programme and support his foundation ‘Mission Max’. Max was taught to work hard and do something for others: ‘That's why I set up the “Mission Max” foundation. It now helps me find sponsors for my sport.’

Loes Kempe

We welcome talented Loes Kempe as a middle-distance runner to the Green Apples. Loes has been in athletics for ten years now and trains at athletics club Altis, where top athlete Femke Bol is also a member. That Kempe is a great talent, she showed in Belgium by reaching the World Cup limit. With this, Loes has qualified for the World Cup under 20, to be held in Lima from 26 to 31 August. It was always her dream to compete in international tournaments. She succeeded in doing so. Now her goal at the World Cup is to run her best race ever. We are happy to support that ambition and drive from our ‘Green Apples’ programme. The fact that Loes is surrounded by expert trainers, who guide her well, gives us a lot of confidence in the route she is taking. We will support her with a road bike, with which she can expand her endurance training. In addition, she will receive financial support to make training camps and altitude training possible and she can make use of the knowledge and expertise from our foundation.