Alumnus Roel Boomstra receives royal decoration: 'A great compliment to our University.'

World champion draughts player Roel Boomstra was appointed Knight of the Order of Orange Nassau on Friday, 11 February. The physics alumnus of the University of Groningen received his royal decoration from the mayor of Groningen, Koen Schuiling.

Roel recently became a draughts world champion for the third time by defeating the Russian title holder Aleksandr Schwartzman in a duel. 'It feels very special,' Roel commented on receiving the award. 'Of course, draughts is not an Olympic sport and I know that all Olympic gold medallists also get the decoration. So, it's quite an honour to take a place alongside these people. I didn't expect this at all, it's a very nice and pleasant surprise.'

Mayor Schuiling indicated that Groningen is known for the sport of draughts, expressing gratitude to the University of Groningen: 'In the past, we had Jannes van der Wal, who also became very well known for playing draughts. But there have been more great talents in Groningen and I think that it is a huge achievement, and also a big compliment to our University, that they provide the opportunity for these top athletes to be able to excel."