General information
The Fanny Blankers-Koen Games (FBK-Games) is the most important Dutch top athletics event in The Netherlands. The FBK-Games is part of the IAAF World Challenge.
Since 1981 the FBK-Games are being organized in Hengelo. The Games are named after Fanny Blankers-Koen, the best Dutch athlete of all time. At the Olympic Games in 1948 she won 4 Gold medals and in 2000 the International Association of Athletics Federations crowned here as the best athlete of the 20th century. Hence forth here name has a good international appeal. The in 2007 newly renovated track stadium with a capacity of 15.000 spectators also carries her name.
Athlete’s world wide
Every year athletes from al over the world come to compete in Hengelo. At the FBK-Games were present famous (former) athletes as Carl Lewis, Sebastian Coe, Marion Jones, Ellen van Langen and of course Haille Gebrselassie and Kenenisa Bekele. Haille Gebrselassie even ran 4 world records in Hengelo. At the 5K, the double mile and twice on the 10K. Partly because of this he is been appointed honorary citizen of Hengelo and goes by the name of ‘Mr. Hengelo’. The world record that Kenenisa Bekele ran on the 5K in 2004 (12.37.35) still stands!
Haile Gebrselassie competing at the 2009 FBK-Games.
Athletes like coming to Hengelo. This is not only due to the great athletics facilities but also to the professional organization of the Games. About 450 volunteers play an important role in the organization. Without them the event couldn’t be organized in this professional way. Not to forget is the support of the many sponsors, the Business Club of 83 and the municipality of Hengelo.
Always an enthusiastic crowd at the FBK-Games in Hengelo.
Atmosphere in the stadium
A third reason athletes like coming to Hengelo is the atmosphere in the stadium. The stadium is always filled with enthusiastic athletics supporters and because of this the atmosphere during the Games is always great. Because of this fact many athletes have been stimulated to great heights! Not only world records but also world season bests, national and personal records have been broken. The meeting records give a good idea about the great achievements during the FBK-Games. For Dutch athletes the FBK-Games are an important event. Because of this the most Dutch top athletes are present in Hengelo during the FBK-Games.
Hengelo
The FBK-Games is internationally known under the name “Hengelo”. Hengelo is part of the province of Overijssel and has around 80.000 residents.
For more information about Hengelo and information about activities and accommodations please go to the website of the VVV Hengelo (Tourist information).
