Together in the air: Naru Core supports the Young Delta Flying Netherlands pilot
Woerden, October 27, 2025 – A breath of fresh air in the air sports world: the Royal Netherlands Aviation Association (KNVvL), hang gliding school Delta Fly Adventures , and Naru Core have officially ratified their collaboration for the national pilot Jong Hangvliegend Nederland.
With the signing of the cooperation agreement at the KNVvL headquarters in Woerden, an ambitious program is launching that aims to get young people between the ages of 16 and 30 taking off, literally and figuratively.
Flying start for young people in air sports
Hang gliding is one of the smallest air sports in the Netherlands and has so far had little
influx of young people. This needs to change.
The pilot, which started on October 1, focuses on three pillars:
- Actively involve young people aged 16 to 30 in hang gliding
- Realizing a structural talent development line
- Increasing the visibility and vitality of the sport among a young audience
Strategic collaboration with shared ambition
The pilot program was initiated by Heleen van den Bos, owner of Delta Fly Adventures, the only fully operational hang gliding school in the Netherlands. The school has experience in training, developing young talent, and building community.
Heleen van den Bos: “This pilot is an answer to a silent need from young people seeking adventure, freedom, and connection. Hang gliding offers all of that. With this collaboration, we are building a future in which young people, too, can spread their wings and feel at home in the air.”
The KNVvL has long been an advocate for air sports in the Netherlands. “Young talent is crucial for the survival of smaller air sports such as hang gliding. This collaboration is an investment in the future,” says Rembert Groenman, Director of the KNVvL.
The association is making a significant contribution to the pilot through its network and expertise in communication, policy, and promotion. To keep the pilot on track, Naru Core is involved as an independent strategic facilitator.
“Structure, vision, and collaboration: these are the building blocks for lasting innovation in
every sport. Including in the air,” says Toon van Haren of Naru Core.
Introduction days, internships and talent development
Young Delta Flying Netherlands is part of the broader NEXT.AERO.GEN program, which focuses on innovating hang gliding internationally and specifically
in the Netherlands, with a focus on talent, sustainability, and inclusivity.
“The Delta Fly Talent Team proves that young people are not only enthusiastic, but also
really want to take decisive action,” says Nico Postma, chairman of the Hang Gliding department of the
KNVvL.
Part of NEXT.AERO.GEN – a new generation of flying
Young Hang Flying Netherlands is part of the broader NEXT.AERO.GEN program,
which aims to renew the sport of hang flying – internationally and particularly
in the Netherlands – with a focus on talent, sustainability, and inclusivity.
Building the next generation of pioneers together?
At Naru Core, we help organizations in sports, education, and social sectors translate vision into sustainable innovation.
Schedule an inspiration session with Naru Core.
Together we are building a resilient, future-oriented outdoor sports sector.
