The Youth Olympic Games are taking place in Senegal, bringing together young athletes aged 14 to 18 from around the world. Among the participants are six Dutch teenagers, including 17-year-old Liz from Den Bosch, who competes in boxing. Liz says she hits quite hard, but modestly keeps that to herself. The Netherlands has performed well so far: Thijmen won silver in skateboarding, and Yara and Mathilde took gold together in beach volleyball.
What this means if you are learning Dutch or new in the Netherlands
This story is a good chance to practise Dutch with sports vocabulary. Words like boksen (boxing), skateboarden (skateboarding), and medaille (medal) appear often in Dutch media. Following Dutch athletes at international events can also help you feel more connected to your new country. The Youth Olympic Games show that Dutch sport is thriving at all levels, and you might even find a local club to join. For families with teenagers, it is a reminder that the Netherlands offers many opportunities for young people to get involved in sports.