Zutphen officially joins Achterhoek in Beweging as of January 1, 2026

On February 27, this expansion was officially ratified during a joint signing ceremony at Sportpark Zuid in Aalten. This symbolic moment formally marked Zutphen's accession and the start of a new phase of regional cooperation.
With the addition of Zutphen, Achterhoek in Beweging is growing into an even more powerful regional platform in which municipalities work together in the areas of sports, exercise, and healthy lifestyles. The shared ambition: a vibrant region in which every resident has the opportunity to participate.

Strong together for safe sports

Alderman Ria Ankersmit emphasizes the importance of this collaboration: "It is good news that the Municipality of Zutphen is joining Achterhoek in Motion. By collaborating with more municipalities, we can reach more people and make a bigger difference for sport and exercise in the region. Zutphen brings knowledge and opportunities to the table, enabling us to set up stronger and larger projects together.

As a region, we also have a stronger position vis-à-vis provincial and national partners. By sharing knowledge and working together to identify what works, we can improve our policies and ensure that our approach has a real impact on our residents.

The expansion of the collaboration provides additional clout to work regionally on themes such as a vital and safe sports climate, inclusion and diversity, and sports and prevention.

Regional strength

Pascal Kamperman, managing director of Achterhoek in Beweging, emphasizes the added value of the unanimous approval: "The fact that all municipalities have expressed their confidence in this collaboration sends a powerful signal. By working together regionally, we can pool our knowledge, resources, and energy. This will enable us to respond more quickly, strengthen each other, and make a greater impact for residents, associations, and partners."

Rick Verschure (Alderman , Municipality of Zutphen) also sees opportunities in the expanded collaboration: "Everyone in our municipality should be able to participate in sports, exercise, and socialize. In fact, by 2040, we want 75% of our residents to be active. Thanks in part to Actief Zutphen and the collaboration with Achterhoek in Beweging, we are creating strong associations and open, vibrant sports parks where athletes of all levels are welcome. In this way, we are making the municipality of Zutphen healthier and more inclusive."

Building a vibrant region together

Achterhoek in Motion is an initiative of the municipalities in the Achterhoek region and works together with partners in Health, education, business, and sports to promote a healthy and active region. Zutphen's accession marks a new phase in which regional cooperation will be further deepened and strengthened.

As of January 1, 2026, Achterhoek in Motion will form a strong and comprehensive regional network in which all 10 municipalities will work together to promote a healthy, safe, and vibrant Achterhoek.