RIP: Paul Janssens, ex-sports director BMB
The day before yesterday, September 7, Paul Janssens left us at the age of 86. The Namur native was for a long time one of the driving forces of motorsport in Belgium, as an organizer and director within the BMB. Paul was at the origin of many changes in our sport.
Paul started his “sports career” at the University of Leuven where he obtained his degree in sports sciences. There he also learned Dutch. He then began his professional career as a physiotherapist and remained active until his retirement. His knowledge and experience served him well in the various positions he held at the BMB.
In his region, together with Pierre Chonquerez, he was the organizer of the 500cc GP at the Citadel of Namur. Anyone who was there will never forget the atmosphere and magic of this unique circuit where a large crowd came to enjoy motocross at top level. However, Paul was also active in other areas within the sport.
He was an active director of the Belgian Motorcyclists Federation for more than 20 years. He was also chairman of the National Sports Commission for 8 years. His efforts in both positions can be called an example. Paul was present everywhere, at almost all meetings of the working groups of the various disciplines, but also at the competitions themselves. Typical of Janssens was the pragmatic and professional way with which he approached problems and built bridges between different parties.
Environmental challenges
At the end of the 90s, Paul founded the BMB Environmental College. As an organizer he was well aware that environmental issues threatened the survival of our sport. And he managed to convince the motorsport world of the importance of taking the necessary measures. A work that he also continued at international level as a member of the new FIM environmental committee. He has traveled all over the world as an instructor in FIM environmental seminars and has trained many officials who have ensured that our sport has evolved in terms of environmental precautions.
A concern that he has also taken on as manager and environmental coordinator of the FMWB. When an enduro organizer had a problem with the environmental permit, Paul immediately went to the ministerial services and administrations in Namur to negotiate a solution.
In 2012, as chairman of the committee preparing the centenary of the BKW, Paul ensured an unforgettable festive year with numerous activities (Brussels car/motor fair, 100 years book, pop-up exhibition, etc.). This festive year ended with a banquet during the Motocross of Nations in Lommel.
Paul, from the MXMag editorial team, thank you for everything. Lots of strength to his wife Jacqueline, family and friends.
Photos: Archive
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