“That vast frozen lake, surrounded by snow-covered trees and mountain peaks. The altitude you feel from the crisp air you breathe. The cold and the sound of your skates on the ice. Every time, it’s a magical experience.” That’s how Ian describes the 200-kilometer skating tour he takes on the Weissensee, sometimes even twice in one week. “It’s definitely a challenge, but I love that. There are cameras along the route, so I always wave from the ice to my family and colleagues in Ridderkerk.”

Skating to integrate Ian started skating about twenty years ago, after moving from the Philippines to the Netherlands. “‘You need to integrate,’ my father-in-law said,” Ian recalls. “He took me to De Uithof, where I first stood on skates. I just gave it a try, but immediately loved it. The freedom, the feeling of gliding. That’s what hooked me.” After ten introductory lessons, he decided to continue training. In 2011, he skated the Weissensee for the first time. “An amazing experience.” Since then, he has returned every year with a group of friends and family. After one of them passed away from ALS, they started raising funds during the event for the ALS Netherlands Foundation.

Support for sports Ian needs to stay active. “Sitting still isn’t for me. At work, I’m always moving too, loading, unloading, driving the forklift.” He appreciates Quooker’s support for sports. “At Quooker, staying active is really encouraged. There’s a vitality calendar with all kinds of activities you can join. I’ve done a skating clinic, a boxing class, and even a Bob Ross painting workshop. If you join a sports club, you get a contribution toward your membership. I receive support for my skating rink fees.” His big dream? “I truly hope I’ll one day get the chance to skate the real Elfstedentocht, just like Walter (Peteri, co-owner of Quooker) did in 1997. If it happens, I’ll be there.”

Published on 10-02-2025