The EHF is saddened to hear of the death of Dr Peter Wefers Bettink, from The Netherlands, who sadly passed away on Sunday 5 May.
Dr Peter Wefers Bettink started his ‘hockey’ career as the Medical Doctor at the Champions Trophy in Amstelveen (The Netherlands) in 2003. That was the start of his involvement with international hockey. Among the many tournaments he was involved with, he was one of the Medical Officers at three consecutive Olympic Games (Beijing, London and Rio de Janeiro) and three FIH World Cups (Mönchengladbach, Delhi and The Hague).
In Europe, Peter was the Medical Doctor for several EHF events, always professional, always with the athletes’ health foremost in his mind. However, it was his humanity that we will remember him most for. As a small example, when a number of fans and volunteers were stung by bees at the 2009 European Championships in Amstelveen, Peter made it a priority to treat everyone affected to ensure they could go back to enjoying the hockey!
The EHF President, Marijke Fleuren, speaking about the passing of her dear friend and colleague said
“Hockey is a better, safer sport due to the enormous contribution of our dear friend Peter. His knowledge, his never-ending quest to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the athletes is not something that was visible to the world but is a testament to the man who quietly went about his business. Thankfully under his watch as Chairman, the FIH Medical Committee has established itself as an integral part of the workings of the FIH and we are very grateful for that. It is wonderful that his daughter Carlijn, also a doctor, was able to work side by side with her father at the EuroHockey Championships in 2017. Peter will be missed, especially at tournament time, when his ever-present smile and professionalism brought a calmness to every event.”
Marijke has passed on the deepest condolences of the EHF to Peter’s widow Liesbeth and family.