Posted on March 16, 2026
DEME today received the 300th “Sportbedrijf” label from Sport Vlaanderen, a recognition by Annick De Ridder, Flemish Minister of Sport, and Sport Vlaanderen. This label highlights companies that actively invest in a robust, well‑structured sports and movement policy in the workplace – something DEME fully embraces through the Energy@DEME program. We were awarded the label in recognition of our comprehensive sports and exercise program, which encourages our employees worldwide to (re)engage in physical activity. On the occasion of the award, we hosted a spinning session together with Sport Vlaanderen in the DEME Lookout.
The “Sportbedrijf” award underlines DEME’s commitment to promoting physical and mental resilience among colleagues worldwide. Currently, more than 2,750 colleagues are connected to the Energy@DEME platform, participating in sport initiatives, challenges, and major events such as the Antwerp 10 Miles and the Kom op tegen Kanker 1000 km. Indeed, at the 2025 Antwerp 10 Miles, no fewer than 400 DEME colleagues participated – a testament to the growing enthusiasm for exercise across the organization. After-hours running and cycling groups have become a familiar part of life on the head office site. Furthermore, we ensure that crew members at sea have the opportunity to keep moving, thanks to sports equipment that has been installed on our vessels worldwide.
CEO Luc Vandenbulcke emphasizes the importance of this shared commitment: “At DEME, we believe the strength of our organization starts with the energy of our people. With Energy@DEME we are investing fully in physical and mental resilience, giving all colleagues the space to grow, perform, and feel well. Every kilometer and every collective effort brings us closer to a strong and healthy company culture – and supports charities close to our hearts, such as Mercy Ships and Kom op Tegen Kanker. This connection between personal vitality and societal impact is exactly what drives DEME forward.
Across Flanders, more and more organizations are embracing sport and movement as part of a modern workplace culture. By receiving the 300th “Sportbedrijf” label, we are reaffirming our ambition to ensure our colleagues remain sustainably active, fostering an environment where well-being is not an add‑on, but a fundamental part of who we are.
“With the 300th ‘Sportbedrijf’ label, we are demonstrating that sport and physical activity in the workplace are no longer a secondary consideration, but an essential component of modern employer responsibility,” explains Flemish Minister for Sport Annick De Ridder. “DEME serves as an inspiring example because it does not focus on performance, but instead on giving people renewed motivation to be active. This is an investment that pays off generously: in well‑being, workplace atmosphere, and productivity.”
