Statue of giant-killer Silvius Brabo ... throwing a hand ... which in flemish is translated as 'handwerpen'
According to the legend, this 'handwerpen' later became the name of the city 'Antwerpen'.

Quote about Antwerp by Fodor's:

"In its heyday, Antwerp (...) played second fiddle only to Paris.
Thanks to artists such as Rubens, Van Dyck, and Jordaens, it was one of Europe's leading art centers. (...)
It became, and has remained, the diamond capital of the world.
Its civic pride was such that the Antwerpen Sinjoren (patricians) considered themselves
a cut above just about everybody else. They still do. "

I could protest because of the last sentence but I won't because there is some truth in it. :-)
Just very recently some local politicians were discussing the possibility to present Antwerp as a candidate for organizing the Olympic Games of 2016.
For anyone knowing the financial situation and political commotion of the past years, this sounds - to say the least - very optimistic.
Even more if one knows the games of 2012 will most likely be rewarded to Paris and that the Olympic Committee
rotates between (some) continents in their choice of a city.
But well, who knows ... It won't be the first time Antwerp surprises ...