In "Feestzaal ’t Biezemhof" in Aalter, the champions of the associations mentioned in the title were honored.
This was accompanied by a lavish banquet where the laureates of the “International Quintet West Flanders 2023” and the “Leie Fond Trophy 2023” from the joint play with “de Arend” Rekkem were also acknowledged.
During an extensive aperitif, chairman Marino Martens took the responsibility of welcoming everyone and provided an explanation about the past racing season 2023.
Among the attendees were Mrs. De Roo and Mr. Fr. De Bouck, respectively the mayor and alderman for sports of the municipality of Ruiselede. Geert Maroy, the only present national champion, was honored in between.
During the banquet, the recognition of many laureates in various championships took place.
· Willy Ledeganck won the “Championship Huis Maria”
This concerns a competition that was raced with young pigeons on the fond flights of the joint play Ruiselede-Wingene. Thirteen fanciers enjoyed a beautiful prize pool.
· Champions in the Royal Society: “De Reisduif”
This concerns races on the sprint and small fond at Ruiselede, whereby the titles went to Marc Engels, Eric Van De Kerkhove, Rik Cools, and Frans Van De Steene. Special recognition was given to Marc Engels, who played himself to “King of the Society” for the 12th time since 1999.
· Champions in the flourishing joint play Ruiselede-Wingene
This involves flights on the large fond, fond, and heavy fond. For each category, there were always 6 nominees.
King of the society Marc Engels with the mayor, alderman, and board members
The large fond:
- 1st old: Marc Engels from Aalter
- 1st yearlings: Marc Mortier from Meigem
- 1st young: Willy Ledeganck from Aalter
- General: 1st Marc Mortier, 2nd Marc Engels, 3rd W. Ledeganck, 4th Norbert Ally, 5th Jacques Hellebuyck, and 6th Fr. Van De Steene.
The fond flights:
- 1st old: Frederik Everaert from Aarsele
- 1st yearlings: Frederik Everaert
- General championship fond flights: 1st Frederik Everaert, 2nd Norbert Ally, 3rd Thierry Heyse, 4th Rudi De Saer, 5th Jacques Wildemauwe, 6th Hubert Vanacker
- The heavy fond 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.
- All-round champion 2023: Frederik Everaert, who may also reflect on a brilliant fond season
2 = General champions large fond
3= General champions fond
4= Champions heavy fond
5= Frederik Everaert all-round champion
Joint play Rekkem – Ruiselede-Wingene
· Champions in the “International Quintet West Flanders 2023”
(Inter)national heavy fond flights are eligible 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 fond flights, which is 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 Flanders
7= Winners Leie Fond Trophy
Afterwards, the presentation of all honorary prizes in the various disciplines and joint plays followed.
Chairman of the society “de Zwaluw” Ruiselede, namely Marino Martens, received a standing ovation from all attendees as a closing of the official part for his total commitment to the Ruiselede societies and the joint plays. Final conclusion: it was a wonderful celebration with a smooth prize distribution, giving a thumbs up to the responsible members of the associations from Ruiselede and Wingene. Congratulations gentlemen… your task was well done.
J. Mestdagh