We will forever remember them…
Per FIVB in article released last June 17th:
It has been an emotional month for the national women’s team of The Netherlands following the death of volleyball legend Ingrid Visser and her partner Lodewijk Severein.
On Saturday, June 15 a memorial ceremony was held for the Visser and Severein and was attended by friends, colleagues, former internationals and fans. The ceremony took place at the Topsportcentrum in Visser’s home town of Almere.
Writing on his blog, former volleyball player and tournament director of the recent beach Volleyball Grand Slam in The Hague wrote, “It was an impressive gathering. I’ve never seen so many Olympic volleyball players together. Jeroen Bijl, a good friend of mine, led the service and he hit just the right tone. There were beautiful speeches.”
At the request of Visser’s family, The Netherlands Volleyball Federation has retired jersey no. 15 from its team formations and the number will now never be worn by a Dutch international. In a moving tribute to the volleyball star, a shirt with the number 15 was hoisted to the rafters during the ceremony.
The Dutch women’s team will continue their preparations for the 2013 World Grand Prix, with friendly matches against Brazil and Italy scheduled for the month of July. The Netherlands will play the opening pool B match of the World Grand Piece preliminary round on August 2, against Cuba.
The preliminary round of the World Grand Prix is scheduled to run from August 2 to 18 with the Finals taking place in Sapporo, Japan from August 28 to September 1.
Statement on behalf of the family Visser & family Severein
Where to start.. .
Today, amongst many friends, acquaintances, colleagues, fans and many others, we have said goodbye to our loved ones Ingrid and Lodewijk.
Only a few weeks ago they traveled to the Spanish region Murcia for a short visit. Almost immediately upon arrival they disappeared forever from our sight. Days of endless tension, searching for answers and signs of life, full of hope but extremely worried, we finally received word that they had been killed.
The worst case scenario became reality.
Two great personalities both full of life, were suddenly, abruptly and pointlessly robed of their existence. What should have been future will forever remain past.
Forever…
Intensely sad, but with an indelible memory of their lives, we must go on from here. Both families are linked together forever by this cruel act but will try to focus on the memories of these two precious and beautiful people who had chosen for each other in love.
We want everyone here today and all of those who have commented in such large numbers in recent weeks to know that we are very grateful for all your support. Grateful for the kind words of wisdom and all the warmth we’ve received in these so incredibly difficult times for us asa family. We feel empowered, knowing that Lodewijk & Ingrid have meant so much to so many of you and that they have made an indelible impression on you all as well during their lifetime.
The flowers that you’ve brought here today will be given a beautiful spot on National Sports Centre Papendal in Arnhem (The Netherlands). Along with – a picture of Ingrid and Lodewijk and an Interland-match-t-Shirt of Ingrid with number 15 – they will form a temporary memorial monument opening this Sunday. It will be accessible to the public during business-hours. Thus, it becomes a place for all who want to take a moment to reflect on their lives.
We want to express our appreciation to the people giving speeches today who wanted to share their beloved memories on Lodewijk & Ingrid with us and with everyone here.
We want to express our gratitude towards the Spanish and Dutch police for their commitment, cooperation and shown understanding. In addition, the Dutch Embassy in Madrid for their compassion and assistance.
The vast majority of the press for their respectful and professional reporting.
The DELA for their care and professional guidance during this farewell.
The Dutch Volleyball Federation for giving us this opportunity to work together with everyone and to create this farewell on the same field, they both loved so dearly.
Praise as well to all volunteers and businesses that have made this possible in their selfless commitment and support. And special thanks to sports photographer Ronald Hoogendoorn for providing us with his photographs of Ingrid and Lodewijk.
We particularly want to express a word of our sincerest gratitude towards Miriam van de Velde. She courageously took the difficult task upon her to represent us in Spain. During the early stages of their missing and even after the devastating news arrived.
Time to say our goodbyes is almost over now. Each of us will try to take on the difficulties that now seem to aries and pick up the thread of life best we can. The support and loving warmth we have received form all will be a tremendous support in times to come.
Thank you all for understanding and respecting our withdrawnness from the media and awarding us the peace and quiet to process our grieve to give this a place in our hearts.
Family Fishing & Family Severein
Number 15 will belong to Ingrid Visser forever.
During the impressive memorial service for Ingrid Visser and Lodewijk Severein in Topsportcentre Almere this afternoon, Nevobo (Dutch Volleyball Bond) announced that Shirt-number 15 will belong to Ingrid forever.
“Regarding Ingrid’s merit as record-international and her significance to the Dutch National team and Dutch volleyball, this simply seems appropriate” according to Nevobo’s chairman Hans Nieukerke. “While consulting with the family and the current Dutch team, we have decided that this should be part of our posthumous tribute to Ingrid. Ingrid and Lodewijk will never be forgotten.
Ingrid’s shirts will be given a nice place in Top Sport-centre Almere, home to the Dutch women’s team until just last year, another one at Papendal, home to the current Dutch national team.
In addition to family and friends of Ingrid and Lodewijk, the (inter)national volleyball community has taken this opportunity for a grand farewell regarding these two beloved people in our volleyball community. “It’s good to see that our community has expressed there respect so massively to Ingrid and Lodewijk. It was a beautiful and very crowded tribute. I am happy with this way of support to the family and friends, “said Nieukerke.
The family requested everyone attending to bring one flower for the two departed. Together with the many flower arrangements, these will be getting a temporary place in front of the sport-centre at Papendal, current training location to the current Dutch national team.
Click here to visit the official page and read more about Ingrid and Lodewijk.