Posted on May 14, 2025
Jan De Nul proudly accepted the Sport Company Award 2025 – a wonderful recognition for our FIT programme, which we have been building with heart and soul since 2017.
At an award ceremony hosted by Evy Gruyaert and Maarten Vangramberen, 15 inspiring companies and their sporting initiatives were put in the spotlight. Guest speakers underlined the importance of physical activity and wellbeing in the workplace. One winner was crowned in each of the five categories.
We proudly took home the top prize in the category ‘Profit – more than 500 employees’. The other nominees in this category were Atlas Copco and TVH Parts (the winner of the inaugural edition in 2023).
The other winners were:
- In the category ‘Profit – 100 to 500 employees’, the award went to SBE.
- Elicio received the award in the category ‘Profit – fewer than 100 employees’.
- The National Social Security Office was awarded in the ‘Non-profit – more than 500 employees’ category.
- And finally, the municipality of Brasschaat came out on top in the ‘Non-profit – fewer than 500 employees’ category.
More and more companies recognise the importance of healthy employees
The Sport Company Awards are a recognition of organisations that actively promote a sporty and active work environment, encouraging employees to be physically active before, during, or after work. Exercising together not only leads to healthier and more productive employees, but also improves the overall workplace atmosphere. Everyone benefits.
Around 100 companies submitted an application. To be eligible, companies must meet at least five out of seven criteria for Sport Companies – including appointing a movement and sport ambassador, organising and promoting physical activities, and providing access to sport and exercise facilities.
An independent jury selected three nominees in each of five categories, with one winner in each taking home the Sport Company Award 2025.
With these awards, Sport Vlaanderen aims to reward companies that invest in the health and wellbeing of their employees through sport and physical activity.
Our internal wellbeing programme FIT stands for Food, In balance & Training and sports. It’s a vibrant volunteer-driven initiative, created by and for colleagues. Through this programme, we encourage each other to move more, eat healthier, and take care of our mental wellbeing. Because we believe that a balanced work life is the key to both personal and professional success.
This award is not the achievement of one person, but of an entire FIT team of passionate volunteers. Without our Team Can-Do, this would not have been possible — we want to thank each and every one of them. It’s thanks to every colleague who takes part, supports others, or steps up to lead. They are what make FIT what it is: a story of connection, enthusiasm, and energy.
In 2023, we achieved the 150th Sport Company label
Back in 2023, then Flemish Minister for Sport Ben Weyts recognised our efforts by awarding us the official ‘Sport Company’ label from Sport Vlaanderen. This label highlights companies in Flanders that are committed to creating a fit and healthy working environment.
We’re proud to have earned the label once again in 2025. Last week, Sport Vlaanderen personally came by to present it to us.
FIT at Jan De Nul
Each year, we put together a varied calendar packed with workshops, activities, training sessions and team-building events – before, during, and after working hours.
Many FIT activities take place at locations where colleagues are based, such as our offices in Aalst and Luxembourg – think lunchtime fitness classes, lunch walks, or cookery workshops after work. But FIT is for everyone – whether you are working on a site, in an office, on board a vessel, or at the other side of the world.
Every two years, we organise a family day, send our FIT Cup on tour across Belgium, and challenge colleagues on projects and sites. Our FIT ambassadors run local events all over the world, and at sea, we provide healthy meals and sports facilities on board. For those who prefer to stay fit digitally, there’s always fresh inspiration on our internal communication platform.
With FIT, we aim to bring colleagues together in a relaxed setting, away from the pressures of work. It’s about having fun, meeting new people – or seeing familiar faces in a different light. But it goes beyond that: FIT is contagious. You can really see the impact – just look at how many people now cycle to work or go for a run during their lunch break. A quick mental reset, and then it’s full steam ahead in the afternoon!
Nathalie De Bondt
FIT Coordinator
