Jan ten Hoopen

1913 – 2009

Honorary President of the Zestigplussers

Dear Friends,

It is with  great affliction that I have to inform you,  that after a short illness our great friend Jan ten Hoopen passed away .

Jan  was the founding father of over 60s. Hockey in the Netherlands. Until the age of 74, Jan played with his club  in the Dutch National over 50s. hockey league . In 1988 by the end of the season,  Jan had the brilliant idea to bring together hockey friends from all over the Netherlands still active in their Club and  over 60 years young.

It immediately became a great success and by 1989,  Jan felt the need to formalise procedures and started the N.H.C. “De Zestigplussers”.

The first year , 45 players met somewhere in the Netherlands on a regular basis, for a couple of matches. In June 2009 we just celebrated the 20^th anniversary of Jan’s “The Zestigplussers”. The club is a member of the KNHB and numbers now over 450 active members.

Jan was - a  gentleman in the true sense of the word, and  made it his main purpose to let friendship and sportsmanship prevail at any time. Among his many friends were people like Philip Lach de Bère, Jan Vis and Johan Ignatius having excellent contacts in England, Belgium and France, permitting Jan to export his idea to other countries. The first international match  took place in Brussels back in February 1990.  We all recall the fine Tournaments in Lille, Kortrijk, Bussum and Rotterdam were Jan was very present enjoying in his own gentle way being part of the hockey family.

Jan  continued playing  well over his 85^th birthday and enjoyed very much being among his many friends. We are all indebted to him in one way or the other. Especially I, as one of his successors , could always seek his advise and was rewarded with  sound ideas.

Over 60s. Hockey has a name in the world of hockey numbering over 3.500 players in 12 countries, organised in the World Grand Masters Association officially recognised by the F.I.H.. Jan’s baby matured quickly and soundly.

Jan will always be remembered   for what he was, a true and loyal friend !   

Bernard Verbunt
Hon. Member and former president of the Zestigplussers
Vice-president WGMA