Nearly 300 children. One goal, sports fun for everyone. A field day for children from neighborhoods where sports is not self-evident. Not an ordinary field day, but a day that really touches the children, the volunteers and myself.
What are The Games
The Games is an initiative organized in several cities in the Netherlands in cooperation with local partners. After previous editions in recent years and this year in Amsterdam, among other places, the event this time landed at Hockey club Oranje Rood in Eindhoven. Roosendaal and Tilburg will follow later this year. The goal is to give children who normally do not have easy access to sports or sports events a day where everything is about exercise, fun and belonging.
With a real opening ceremony, flag parade and the lighting of the Games fire, the day began as a true mini Olympic spectacle. After that the children went in groups to all kinds of events such as soccer, long jump, field hockey, tennis, sumo wrestling and relay. I myself was allowed to accompany a group at the field hockey field and what an energy was released there.
Why Alvero is participating
At Alvero Office Furniture Rental we strive to create flexible and sustainable work environments, but our mission extends beyond offices. Through our collaboration with BrabantSport we contribute to a more vital Brabant. BrabantSport is committed to strengthening sport at all levels, from top sport to recreational sport, and connecting it to social goals. Because sport is more than movement, it is connection, self-confidence and participation. At Alvero, we believe that everyone, regardless of background or wallet, should be able to learn, play sports and develop.
Jugdfonds Sport & Culture, structural impact
An event like this is wonderful, but structural impact only comes when children can continue to play sports even after such a day. That is why the Youth Fund Sport & Culture Brabant is also involved. They ensure that children from families with little money can still play sports or participate in cultural activities. Parents pay nothing, the fund does. A powerful and low-threshold solution to a persistent problem.
During The Games parents, coaches and schools received information about how they can make sport accessible through the fund, also after this one day. This is how we build something together that will last longer than just a nice memory.
What stayed with me most
The energy. The pure joy on those faces. The way children encourage each other, sometimes with some nerves, often with broad smiles. And the gratitude of teachers who finally saw their students enjoying themselves carefree.
The realization that, with a few hours of time and a little commitment, we could make a difference. That is exactly why I was proud to participate in this. And why we as Alvero like to attach our name to this kind of initiative.
On to the next edition. In Roosendaal or Tilburg, or wherever.
Do you want to know more about The Games or about our community involvement through BrabantSport?
Please feel free to contact us.