On Sunday afternoon (and evening), we were guests at “Salons Caipirinha” for the celebration of the laureates from various disciplines regarding the “battle year” 2023 in Merelbeke.
A spacious parking lot for the guests and a welcome by the Chairman Mr. Daniël Aerens and his “companion on the road” Mr. Mark De Backer at the entrance of the establishment, after which we could participate in an extensive reception.
A “drink” and an “exquisite” snack à volonté during the extensive reception were offered to us.
Afterwards, the calling of names for participation in the banquet followed… extremely well presented by the team of “Salons Caipirinha”… a “feast” for the eyes and taste buds of the numerous invitees at the festive table.
Before that, there was another welcome by Mr. Chairman to the many supporters, and during the “courses,” the award ceremony for the outstanding performers of 2023 was carried out smoothly… an organization that was on “point” with what often lacks at such events—a well-deserved attentiveness and spontaneous applause from those present.
The “responsible liberation officials and handlers” were also not forgotten, with a word of thanks that was greatly appreciated by everyone!
The pigeon sport remains and will always display a social and amicable character despite the evolution of the whole affair between the average enthusiast and “the top”… much nostalgia but a return to the memories of pre-Millennium seems a utopia… times change… see “Modern Times” by Chaplin and “1984” by George Orwell… hard to accept or come to terms with for the “dyed-in-the-wool” enthusiasts over the years, but we must accept this and try to find a balance between what “once was” and “the present lives.”
I would like to conclude my speech with a word of thanks to the board members who have been at the helm up to this day with much idealism in this organization… FVOV-OVV.
Some of whom can already boast a career of over half a century!
One must always keep going in life… shouting and complaining from the “sidelines” never brings any solace!
Let us continue to cherish the currently indispensable organizations at the service of the sport, and I would like to end with the words of the late Alice Nahon: “It’s good to look within one’s own heart.”
Just before going to sleep… or from dawn to evening… I have done no harm to any heart!”.
Onward to 2024… pigeon sport is not only a meaningful hobby and “filling of the day” but a social event that even “COVID-19” could not diminish😉
LUC