Genk (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – East Limburg Hospital ZOL and KRC Genk FRZA Foundation launch a 3-year partnership in Limburg offering health screenings, rehabilitation, sports programs, and community activities, supported by Medical Director Prof. Dr. Michiel Thorneer.
As VRT News reported, East Limburg Hospital (ZOL) and KRC Genk football club are joining forces to support patients and vulnerable groups in Limburg.
“Being sick is already difficult, but experiencing it alone makes it even harder,”
said Prof. Dr. Michiel Thorneer, Medical Director of ZOL. Over the next 3 years, the 2 organisations will run programs in preventive health, rehabilitation, and sports.
How will ZOL and KRC Genk FRZA Foundation’s 3-year health partnership impact Limburg?
The first event will take place on Sunday, September 21, 2025, during KRC Genk’s home match against Union. Supporters can take part in free heart screenings at a test stand at the stadium before the match.
“We’ll be launching a registration tool via social media so supporters can choose a time slot to have various heart tests performed in the two hours before the match,”
explains Jürgen Ritzen, Communications Manager at ZOL.
East Limburg Hospital (ZOL) and KRC Genk football club have expanded their partnership to include new health and community programs. The projects go beyond match days and aim to combine sports, health, and participation.
Seniors can take part in walking football sessions. Children who are overweight can join adapted football training to improve fitness, teamwork, and self-confidence. Young people will have the chance to learn first aid and CPR.
“The friendships and camaraderie you build through such activities are especially wonderful,”
explains Jürgen Ritzen.
“That’s what I find so powerful about this collaboration: that you’re not left to fend for yourself. After rehabilitation, you’re often left to fend for yourself. That’s not the case now; thanks to the KRC Genk Foundation, you’re receiving further support.”
The collaboration is planned for 3 years, but organisers hope it will continue longer. Jean Hendrix, a rehabilitation patient at ZOL and an indoor soccer enthusiast, has already seen positive results from the program.
“I’m thrilled with this collaboration. It’s a dream come true,”
said Dr. Michiel Thorneer, Medical Director at ZOL.
“We have agreed on a three-year term, but I would love for this project to last 10 years or longer.”
The KRC Genk Foundation was created in 2007 as the first Belgian football club initiative to focus strategically on social engagement. In November 2022, it was rebranded as the KRC Genk FRZA! Foundation.
The foundation has been recognised for its impactful work, receiving a prestigious
Comments
14 responses to “KRC Genk and ZOL Hospital Announce Three-Year Health Partnership in Limburg”
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So, a football club and a hospital holding hands for three years—sounds like the perfect match! Next, they’ll be offering free kick lessons for doctors and CPR for strikers. 😂⚽️
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Oh, brilliant, a three-year health partnership where football meets hospital – because nothing says “healing” quite like a penalty shootout! ⚽💉
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Seems like KRC Genk is finally scoring off the pitch with this health partnership! Who knew football could double as a prescription pad? 😂⚽
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Isn’t it charming how a football club and a hospital think they can tackle health issues like it’s a friendly match? 😏 Can’t wait to see the goal celebrations after a heart screening!
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Seems like KRC Genk and ZOL Hospital have finally figured out that tackling health issues while scoring goals might just be the winning strategy for Limburg. Who knew a football match could double as a heart check-up? ⚽💔
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Just what Limburg needs, a health partnership with a football club! Because nothing says “wellness” like running around chasing a ball after a heart screening, eh? ⚽️💓
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A health partnership between a football club and a hospital? Now that’s a real game-changer—because who wouldn’t want to have their heart checked while cheering for a last-minute goal? ⚽💓 Let’s just hope no one tries to score a penalty while in the waiting line! 😏
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Seems like KRC Genk and ZOL Hospital have finally figured out that health screenings are just as crucial as a last-minute penalty kick. 🤷♂️ Who knew football could double as a life-saving venture? ⚽💔
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Oh great, now we can kick a ball and get our hearts checked at the same time—who knew a football club could double as a health clinic? 😏 Just what Limburg needed, a side of cardio with its corner kicks!
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Seems like KRC Genk and ZOL are really taking the health game up a notch—who knew getting a heart screening at half-time could be the new norm? 😂 Just what the doctor ordered, minus the actual doctor’s visit, right?
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Oh brilliant, because who doesn’t want to get their heart checked right before a match? Nothing like the thrill of football and a side of cardiac stress testing! ⚽💔
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Typical Belgian: first we tackle life, then we tackle the pitch. Maybe if we win a few matches, we can cure the heartbreak too! 😂⚽️
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A health partnership with a football club, eh? Just what the doctor ordered—because who wouldn’t want a heart screening right before a nail-biting match? ⚽💔
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Another brilliant idea from the folks at KRC Genk and ZOL—because who needs a proper health system when you can just kick a ball around and hope for the best, right? ⚽️💉
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