His slogan was “never give up”, but on Wednesday, Jan-Willem Knapen, the Flemish cancer patient who became a hero in the US, lost his battle. Surrounded by family and friends, the 16-year-old passed away peacefully. His family has promised to continue his campaign for the JW House, a residence in the Santa Clara hospital in San José, California, where patients and their family can stay overnight. Jan-Willem raised USD 450,000 to establish the house after being flown to the US for cancer treatment. Diagnosed at age four with leukemia, Jan-Willem overcame that illness, but was found to be suffering from four brain tumors at the end of 2002.
  
Over-date Sobelco foods safe

An analysis has shown that the over-date food products seized during a raid at the Sobelco warehouse in Jumet were not dangerous for public health, the Federal Food Agency (FAVV) said. Sobelco is accused of selling over-date food by removing use-by-dates and placing new labels on various food products. The FAVV is also investigating 25 firms who bought food from Sobelco and hauled two products off two shop shelves.

Belgian football season kicks off

The Belgian football season kicks off on Friday as champion club Brugge takes on Moeskroen. Two teams are expected to battle it out for the league title this year: arch rivals Club Brugge and Anderlecht. The latter was last year’s runner-up. The Belgian first division still has 18 teams and the champion team will qualify directly for the Champions League, while the runner-up will have to play in the preliminary rounds. The third-placed team is entitled to a UEFA Cup spot. Belgium’s second UEFA Cup place goes to the winner of the cup competition.

[Copyright Expatica News 2005]

Subject: Belgian news