National championships sport pole held for 38th time

JAARSVELD – Pole vaulting is considered to be a traditional sport in parts of the Netherlands dissected by waterways. This hails from the days when rural folks circumvented a longer road by jumping numerous ditches to reach their destination faster. The sport is particularly popular among Frisians. The most recent national championships, the 38th edition, were held in the South Holland village of Jaarsveld, which is home to one of the three chapters in that province (The other seven are located in Friesland.). Participants competed in four categories, seniors, juniors, boys and girls. Senior Bart Helmholt (Burgum) extended his Dutch title.