VIERSEN - The Belgian billiard federation has elected a new chairman. 62-year-old Arthur Standaert from Lembeke succeeds Reginald Depoorter, who was the figurehead of billiards in his country for many years, had enormous organizational achievements and was known as a champion in networking. Depoorter, also the driving force behind the Multi championships in Blankenberge, left the board after thirty years of presidency.
Two candidates had registered for the election at the meeting, which was held in Leuven: Arthur Standaert and Benny van Goethem. Standaert won by 22 votes against 15. Standaert: ,,We both have held an intensive lobby. I can imagine that Benny van Goethem was disappointed, but I hope that he will be retained for our sport.''
Arthur Standaert is a professional contractor in tile and floor work. He was vice chairman of the Eeklose billiard clubs and president of the region both Flanders for the past six years, where he succeeded Roland Depaepe after thirty years. ,,I have been in billiards all my life, like my father and grandfather. I always have said to Reginald Depoorter: if you retire as president, I want to be candidate, certainly not before. When Reginald came to me saying it was his last year, I decided to run. We both knew, Benny van Goethem and I, that one person was going to be disappointed after the election. We both campaigned until the end. And there is a winner that the Belgian billiard wanted.''
Standaert emphasizes: ,,We must not forget that my competitor is chairman of the referees in Belgium and has already done lots of work for the federation. I hope that we can quickly come together for a good conversation and reach the best possible solution for the sport.''
The new president does not expect that many things will change in a short time. ,,It's very difficult after a president who has meant so much.'' The plans are there, nevertheless. ,,We want to express our ambitions for a plan to see where we will be in four years. Financial, in terms of sport and with our youth development. We want to avoid problems as much as possible with this board, our main goal is that we want the best for Belgian billiards.''