The ceremony for the champions in the EDP is perhaps one of the last of the 2024 season in its genre. It concerns an international competition based on the 7 international races with the first pigeon released. On Sunday, March 16, this celebration took place, as usual, at “Hotel-Restaurant” Lodewijk van Male in Bruges.
President Frans Vanwildemeersch took the honors after an extensive reception to welcome everyone with a brief and concise opening speech.
He briefly reflected on the 25th anniversary of the Euro Diamond Pigeon competition, he also asked for a moment of attention for the completely unexpected farewell of board member Jacques de Taeye on November 8, 2024, as well as to the deceased family members of those present over the past year; after this, there was a one-minute silence.
J. de Taeye's position in the board will be taken over by Hendrik Mortier from Bruges.
Afterwards, a brief tribute of flowers was made to the present sponsors and staff, as well as to the national winners and champions present: namely Etienne Meirlaen / Casteleyn-Van Parijs / Team Baetens.
During a lovely banquet, the various laureates were warmly included in the tribute.
In the multi-year classifications, the top laureates were:
· Fernand Malfait from Zerkegem won the two-year classification
· François Callebaut from Meldert won the three-year classification
· Bourlard Père & Fils from Harveng won the five-year classification
· Etienne Meirlaen from Deurle was the “Man of the Year” and received the prize offered by the Bricon Company.
The podium with the top -3 from the 7 international races:
· Pau: 1st Silver EDP Samier Hervé from Selis (Fr) – 2nd Tantart Père & Fils from Harnes (Fr) – 3rd Jozef Van Den Berghe from Landegem
· Agen: 1st Silver EDP Hendrik Mortier from Bruges – 2nd Luc Van Coppenolle from Ouwegem – 3rd Van Looy – Van Nieuwenhuyse from Wetteren
· Barcelona: 1st Silver EDP Hugo Casaert from Russeignies – 2nd Marco Houtekamer from Oud Sabbinge (Nl) – 3rd Pieter Woord from Urk (Nl)
· Dax: 1st Silver EDP Thilliez Jean-Marie from Vendin Le Vieil (Fr) – 2nd Fernand Malfait from Zerkegem – 3rd Marc De Vadder from Haaltert
· Marseille: 1st Silver EDP De Boe Maarten from Schendelbeke – 2nd Alves Humberto from Bous (Lux) – 3rd Martin Ravelingien from Tiegem
· Perpignan: 1st Silver EDP Cuffel G.S.M. from Montivilliers (Fr) – 2nd Jozef Van Den Berghe from Landegem – 3rd Danny Vagenende from Schellebelle
· Narbonne: 1st Golden EDP Trophy + Artistic Pin Etienne Meirlaen – 2nd Pellitery Anthony from Rongy (Fr) – 3rd François Callebout from Meldert
After dessert, there was a tombola with vouchers donated by the top winners of 2024.
Then, DJ Jan Space ignited the atmosphere and there was a vibrant ambiance in the hall.
A big thumbs up for the board regarding their well-organized and successful champion tribute.
Text*photos: J. Mestdagh