Belgian Dove Club Hosts Elementary School Visit
Why this is here: The club specifically targeted elementary students because the children’s grandfathers or fathers were often pigeon racers, a connection now largely lost to younger generations.
A dove club in Sint-Lenaarts, Belgium, hosted a group of elementary school students, a first for a Belgian club. The Onze Duif club invited sixth-grade students from De Schakel school to learn about the sport of pigeon racing and the birds themselves. Students heard about pigeon care, diet, and their historical role during World War I and II.
One pigeon reportedly saved 1,500 lives by delivering a message that prevented a bombing. Club member Jos Vrints explained the club wants to re-popularize the sport among youth. Fewer families now have connections to pigeon racing.
Student Lio Hermans-Peeters shared his family also keeps pigeons. Another student, Rosie Rombouts, was fascinated by the pigeons’ wartime service and ability to navigate long distances. The Royal Belgian Pigeon Federation provided students with goodie bags and information about youth programs.