Emma Meesseman becomes first basketball player to win Belgian National Sports Merit Award
For the first time since its establishment in 1928, the Belgian National Sports Merit Award has been awarded to a basketball player. Emma Meesseman, captain of the Belgian Cats, received this honour after an outstanding season in which she led the Belgian team to their second consecutive European title.
The 32-year-old forward is widely regarded as one of the world's best players and was chosen by a jury meeting in Brussels City Hall. The honour recognises an outstanding contribution to Belgian sport, and each athlete may receive it only once.
Meesseman’s record speaks for itself. She has won numerous trophies in Europe and the United States while playing for Fenerbahçe in Türkiye and the New York Liberty in the WNBA. She was named Most Valuable Player in this year's Turkish league and EuroLeague - which she has won six times - as well as in the European Championship, including the final.
"Emma deserves this award for her personality, for her exceptional results this year, and for her entire career"
Meesseman led the Belgian Cats to an extraordinary comeback against Spain in Athens this year, securing the European title with a 67–65 victory. She later described it as one of the most memorable matches of her career.
Jean-Michel Saive, president of the Belgian Olympic and Interfederal Committee (BOIC) and a former laureate himself, praised Meesseman’s contribution to Belgian sport.
“Emma deserves this award for her personality, for her exceptional results this year, and for her entire career,” he said. “She has been MVP in both Europe and the USA, guided the Belgian Cats to two European titles, and inspired countless young Belgian girls to take up basketball.”
Although the jury considered awarding the prize to the entire Belgian Cats team, they concluded that it was Meesseman’s leadership and ability to elevate those around her that made her the natural choice.
Following in the footsteps of last year's recipient, cyclist Lotte Kopecky, Meesseman joins the ranks of Belgian sporting greats and secures a historic first for basketball.
#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO VIRGINIE LEFOUR
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