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Challenge Accepted was born from one common idea: building a sports community where people not only empower themselves, but above all, each other. A place where sport and experience come together.
It started with six friends: Tom, Maud, Sim, Danny, Stephan, and Igor. Athletes at heart, each with their own background, but with one shared passion: pushing boundaries together. When Tom and Maud participated in a number of sporting events, they noticed something. The competition was impressive, but something important was missing. The soul. The real community. The energy of experiencing together. The place where you don't just perform, but come home.
At the beginning of June 2025, after participating in the Hyrox event in Thialf, Tom was taking a Hyrox lesson at The Grunch. His trainer Rodney asked: “How was the Hyrox event?”
Tom responded: “Yes, super cool man. We want to participate again, but we can't get tickets anywhere, not even for Paris.”
To which Rodney replied, “Yes, that bothers me too, man.”
“Why don't we create our own event that we, as athletes, need?”
An event that focuses on performance and connection. Where you not only improve your time, but also lift each other up. Where you win together, but where you also let fun and other important Amsterdam values come together. And then something magical happened. They ended up in that one place: The Olympic Stadium in Amsterdam. Would that be possible?
The place where sports history has been made since 1928. Iconic, raw, real. Perfect for what they had in mind and where the Olympic spirit comes together.
Because exercising outdoors comes into its own in the spring, we'll pull everything out on June 6 and 7, 2026. All devices, parts and energy. The entire stadium will be an open-air playground. Outdoor sports connect, inspire and provide a different energy. Exactly the atmosphere that we at Challenge Accepted want to create. Enjoy exercising together, eating and enjoying each other.
We talked to suppliers, partners and the location itself. It soon became clear: this idea was not too big. It was just big enough. Amsterdam gyms were happy to participate, well-known athletes gave their support and the municipality of Amsterdam liked the idea. Because Amsterdammers themselves make the difference.
That's how Challenge Accepted was born.
Not just out of ambition, but out of passion, friendship, sustainable choices and the desire to mean something to others. Because exercise is more than just exercise. It's about building on yourself and on and with the people around you.
Our story may also be your story. Are you participating? We start exercising together but it doesn't end there. The plans for the winter and interesting parties in Amsterdam are already ready. But first, we're working towards our first event. We're going to train together. Grow together. Making an impact together. Do you also accept our challenge? Ask about it at your gym or friends and follow us on socials.
We would love to see you in person on Saturday, June 6 or Sunday, June 7. We're going to have a great weekend.
