Hans Van Laethem (February 7, 1960) is the town crier of Ninove and former reigning World, European and Belgian champion of town crying. Van Laethem started his career as town crier in 1987. In 2000, Van Laethem became runner up in the World Town Crier Championships. In 2002, Van Laethem became European champion, which led to him being given the honor of organizing the 2004 European Championships in his home town Ninove. In 2006. he won another European title. In 2005, he became world champion in Maryborough, Queensland, performing in his native language Dutch instead of in English. In 2005, Van Laethem was made an honorary citizen of Ninove.
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