THUAS made its mark at GNSK 2026

More than 1,500 students from sixteen university cities took part, and naturally, THUAS was there as well.

The unifying power of sport is evident during major events such as the FIFA World Cup, and it works just as effectively on a smaller scale. Ellen van der Weijden-Bast, Student Sports Advisor, explains: “This event gives students the opportunity to meet one another in an accessible and informal way and to work together toward a common goal. You see students training together and growing as a team, which makes sport an important tool for connection and well-being.”

More than just a sports tournament

That sense of connection is echoed by Werner Joseph Flores, an International Business student and coach of the HSB Nobels women’s basketball team: “Between matches, we spent a lot of time together, which allowed us to get to know each other outside of basketball. That strengthened the group and created valuable memories.”

According to Werner, GNSK also provides students with the opportunity to gain new experiences. “Whether you come to compete at a high level or to meet new people, it remains a unique experience that pushes you out of your comfort zone and contributes to personal growth.”

Building a strong student culture

For THUAS, participation in GNSK is essential. Werner explains: “Students not only represent their educational institution, but also the city of The Hague. The international character of our university results in diverse teams with different backgrounds and experiences. In addition, the event contributes to a lasting sports culture within the university, where students connect with one another beyond the classroom.”

Proud of sporting achievements

The GNSK weekend delivered more than just new experiences. The women’s football team fought its way to a silver medal. Ellen immediately noticed how the positive energy continued after the event: “Many participants are already looking forward to the next edition. Teams have already marked it in their calendars for next year and are even starting their training earlier.”