Students from two primary schools in Wassenaar set a new record with a joint effort.
Wassenaar, March 20, 2026 – On March 19 and 20, primary school students from the Jozefschool and St. Jan Baptist school in Wassenaar came together for an impressive challenge: collectively walking 1.5 million steps during a two-day outdoor sports event. In collaboration with Fit in Wassenaar, the schools aimed to set a new record around the first day of spring – doubling the number of steps achieved last year by the St. Bonifacius school.
1.5 million steps – a new record
The initiative builds on last year’s success, when the St. Bonifacius school set the first record with 704,709 steps, far exceeding the initial goal of half a million. This year, two schools joined forces across two days. On Thursday, March 19, the Jozefschool kicked things off, followed by St. Jan Baptist school on Friday, March 20. In a relay-style format, students passed step counters to the next group, building up the collective total.
“Having two schools take on this challenge together is a fantastic example of growing enthusiasm for physical activity in Wassenaar.”
Kirsten Keij, Project Manager Fit in Wassenaar
Older students lead the way
Through the Train de leerling (Train the Student) program by Fit in Wassenaar, older students guided younger children during playground activities, developing leadership, teamwork, and responsibility skills.
“We do this together – young and old. It’s great to see other schools pick up the baton. This way, not only the number of steps grows, but also the impact we have on children’s physical activity.”
Wesley Bierens, Community Sports Coach, Fit in Wassenaar
Wassenaar as a JOGG municipality
Wassenaar recently became a JOGG municipality, a national program supporting healthy environments for children and young people. The first day of spring activity concluded with fresh fruit. The record was ultimately broken: the students reached an incredible 1,592,298 steps!
“Together with parents and numerous community organizations, we do our best to help our youth grow up as healthy as possible.”
Ronald Zoutendijk, Alderman for Health
Watch the interview on Centraal+
Kirsten Keij and Wesley Bierens discussed the initiative on the Centraal+ afternoon show.
Photo credits: PW Photography
About Fit in Wassenaar
Fit in Wassenaar promotes a healthy and active lifestyle for all residents of Wassenaar, with special attention to youth. The organization provides playground sports, student training, community sports, and sports safari programs in collaboration with local schools and sports associations.
Read the full article on Wassenaarders.nl and Centraal+.
