At "Feestzaal ’t Biezemhof" in Aalter, the champions of the associations mentioned in the title were honored.
This was accompanied by a fine banquet where the laureates of the "International Quintet W-Vlaanderen 2023" and the "Leie Fond Trophy 2023" from the combined play with "de Arend" Rekkem were also recognized.
During an extensive aperitif, chairman Marino Martens took the opportunity to welcome everyone and provide an overview of the past season 2023.
Among those present were Mrs. De Roo and Mr. Fr. De Bouck, respectively the mayor and alderman of sports of the municipality of Ruiselede. Geert Maroy, the only national champion present, was also honored.
During the banquet, the many laureates in the various championships were recognized.
· Willy Ledeganck won the "Championship House Maria"
This concerns a competition that was played with young pigeons in the long-distance flights of the combined play Ruiselede-Wingene. Thirteen fanciers enjoyed a nice prize pool.
· Champions in the Royal Society: "De Reisduif"
This pertains to races in the sprint and small middle distance at Ruiselede, with titles going to Marc Engels, Eric Van De Kerkhove, Rik Cools, and Frans Van De Steene. Special recognition was given to Marc Engels, who was crowned "King of the Society" for the 12th time since 1999.
· Champions in the thriving combined play Ruiselede-Wingene
This concerns races in the large middle distance, long-distance, and heavy long-distance. Each category had 6 nominees.
King of the Society Marc Engels with the mayor, alderman, and board members
The large middle distance:
- 1st old: Marc Engels from Aalter
- 1st yearlings: Marc Mortier from Meigem
- 1st young: Willy Ledeganck from Aalter
- Overall: 1st Marc Mortier, 2nd Marc Engels, 3rd W. Ledeganck, 4th Norbert Ally, 5th Jacques Hellebuyck, and 6th Fr. Van De Steene.
The long-distance flights:
- 1st old: Frederik Everaert from Aarsele
- 1st yearlings: Frederik Everaert
- Overall championship long-distance flights: 1st Frederik Everaert, 2nd Norbert Ally, 3rd Thierry Heyse, 4th Rudi De Saer, 5th Jacques Wildemauwe, 6th Hubert Vanacker
- The heavy long-distance flights: Final standings: 1st Leon Messiaen from Grammene, 2nd Nicu Barbulescu from Zwevezele, 3rd Koen Meerschaert from Moerkerke, 4th Marc Van de Riviere from Nevele, 5th Injon-Vanrie from Beernem, and 6th Dirk Martens from Deinze.
- Overall champion 2023: Frederik Everaert, who can look back on a splendid long-distance season
2 = General champions large middle distance
3= General champions long-distance
4= Champions heavy long-distance
5= Frederik Everaert all-round champion
Combined play Rekkem – Ruiselede-Wingene
· Champions in the "International Quintet West-Vlaanderen 2023"
(Inter)national heavy long-distance flights qualify for this. It is a free championship.
Final standings:
1st Frederik Bracke from Waregem
2nd Leon Messiaen from Grammene
3rd Koen Meerschaert from Moerkerke
4th Geert Maroy from Heestert
5th Luc Decabooter from Harelbeke
8th Injon-Vanrie from Beernem
6th Nicu Barbulescu from Zwevezele
7th Marc Van de Riviere from Nevele
· Champions in the "Leie Fond Trophy 2023"
This concerns the national long-distance flights, also a free championship.
Final standings:
1st Frederik Everaert from Aarsele
2nd Geert Maroy from Heestert
3rd Norbert Ally from Aarsele
4th Joël Verschoot from Ingelmunster
5th Rino Verheye from Aalbeke
6th Chris Debacker from Beveren-Leie
7th Marc Wybo from Harelbeke
8th Rudi De Saer from Ruiselede
9th Jacques Wildemauwe from Beernem
10th Wilfried Vandemaele from Heule
6= Champions International Quintet West-Vlaanderen
7= Winners Leie Fond Trophy
Afterward, there was also the presentation of all honorary prizes in the various disciplines and combined plays.
Chairman of the society "de Zwaluw" Ruiselede, namely Marino Martens, received a standing ovation from all those present for his total commitment to the Ruiselede societies and the combined plays at the conclusion of the official part. Final conclusion: it was a wonderful celebration with a smooth prize distribution, and a big thumbs up to those responsible for the associations of Ruiselede and Wingene. Congratulations gentlemen… your task was well executed.
J. Mestdagh