In the article titled "Geen grijze duiven" published in Volkskrant on 22 September, the experiences of young people in the racing pigeon sport in the Netherlands were highlighted; the NPO chairman saw this visibility as an opportunity for young people to promote the sport. The article emphasizes the youngsters' enthusiasm and commitment to the sport.
The NPO reminded that there are over 600 young people under 25 in the Netherlands, calling for the article to be shared via social media, schools or student networks. The chairman said such sharing could sow new seeds of interest at the grassroots.
641 people responded to the survey about the 2027 Flight Program (Vliegprogramma); results were 47.7% in favor and 52.3% against. Participants' main complaints were combining Midfond and Dagfond on the same day, the young bird program, the structure for preparing for Fond and Marathon, and the burden placed on volunteers.
A summary of the open-ended responses shows differing views on the way the national flight program has been implemented in recent years. On the positive side, it was noted that comparable interim results from week to week have emerged, while NPO's centralized implementation was criticized for disregarding regional differences and transport possibilities. Views were also expressed that there is a large distance between the NPO and breeders; breeders communicate their views directly to the Afdelings (regional administrations) through clubs.
One option proposed in the presidential text is that Afdelings be able to create their own flight programs within certain frameworks. The proposal is that each discipline be scheduled in set time blocks and that, for example, 5–6 races from those blocks count towards that discipline's National Championship; national races and Grand Prix competitions should be designated centrally. The NPO asked members to respond to surveys to convey their views on this matter.
Finally, it was announced that at the Ledenraad (members' council) meeting to be held on 28 November, the initial results of the consultations for the NPO's 2030 vision would be presented, and that careful and participatory decisions on mission, vision and organizational structure would be taken during the process. It was also reported that in recent weeks episodes on the flight program, mega lofts and young birds published on The Pigeon Pixels Podcast channel can be followed.
