Today we celebrated the 25th edition of the Cruyff Foundation Open Day. More than 1,300 children gathered in the Olympic Stadium, which was transformed into a true sports paradise for children with a handicap. All day they could try out over 25 different sports, discovering which one suits them best.
Throughout the day, Cruyff Foundation ambassadors were present: children played tennis with Sarina Wiegman, tried wheelchair basketball with Frank Rijkaard, and joined John van 't Schip on the football pitch. Everything was possible today in the Olympic Stadium.
An impactful day of sport
The Cruyff Foundation aims to inspire children to stay engaged in sport for the long term. In collaboration with Uniek Sporten, children could immediately explore where they might continue their chosen sport close to home. And when Money is an obstacle, Jeugdfonds Sport & Cultuur steps in to help. This way, every child has the chance to find a sport that fits them, contributing to their growth and self-confidence.
25th edition
The 25th edition was celebrated in style with a spectacular half time show by Chavanté and Kleine John. Bursting through a curtain, they kicked off the show with great energy.
Children were invited to create banners at home or in class and bring them along. During the half-time show, everyone proudly held theirs up while Cruyffie, our mascot, selected his favourite. The winner received a special Cruyffie sports package.
Tackling inactivity among children
60% of children with an intellactual handicap and 70% of children with a physical handicap do not take part in sport on a weekly basis. Yet for children with special needs, sport and physical activity are especially important, to learn how to cope better with their handicap and to feel good about themselves. That is why the Cruyff Foundation is committed to making sport accessible, creating space for every child to develop both physically and mentally.
Partner meeting
On this day we also had a partner meeting, hosted by Debby Gerritsen, welcoming partners from our sponsor network. It was the perfect opportunity to update them on our recent work and exciting projects ahead. Each year, this meeting is linked to a theme, this year it was 'female empowerment', with an inspiring panel including Britt van Vondelen, Daphne Koster and Samira El Idrissie.