With a symbolic penalty, Cruyff Court Ban Hasi Sport was officially opened. Thanks to the Cruyff Court, Bonaire has gained an inclusive sports facility. Local residents, clients, partners, and even State Secretary Vincent Karremans were present to celebrate this special moment together.
The brand-new Cruyff Court in Bonaire is located at FKPD, Fundashon Kuido pa Personanan Desabilitá, an institution that provides personalised care for people with mental and/or physical disabilities. For people with special needs, physical activity and sports are especially important - not only for their health but also to meet others and build self-confidence. Over the past few weeks, the Cruyff Court has already been put to good use: the first tournaments have been played, and it has quickly become a central part of the educational and treatment programs.
Thanks to the "roof" over the Cruyff Court, both clients and local residents can come together throughout the day to engage in sports and physical activities.
Penalty by the State Secretary
The Cruyff Court is the result of close collaboration between the Cruyff Foundation, the local government of Bonaire, and FKPD, with the goal of increasing access to sports and physical activity for people with special needs. The opening of the Cruyff Court was attended by a special delegation, including the Director of the Cruyff Foundation, Niels Meijer; Bonaire’s Deputy, Nina den Heyer; the State Secretary for Youth, Prevention & Sports at the Ministry of Health, Welfare & Sport (VWS), Vincent Karremans; and Louella Rooijer, Supervisory Board Member of FKPD.
Vincent Karremans, State Secretary for Youth, Prevention & Sports: "Sports and physical activity are essential - we are made for it. It’s fun, gives you energy, and keeps you physically and mentally fit. Learning it young means doing it for life, so let’s encourage everyone, young and old, to get moving. This also applies to those who find it challenging due to a disability. My motto is: everyone off the couch. With this beautiful new Cruyff Court on Bonaire, many more people will find it easier to start moving today.”
State Secretary Karremans is not the only one who is proud. Bonaire’s Deputy, Nina den Heyer, also shared her excitement: "The opening of this Cruyff Court is a moment our community can be proud of. It not only provides a space for sports and physical activity but also strengthens the sense of connection and equality. I am glad that, together with VWS, the Cruyff Foundation, and FKPD, we have been able to make this facility a reality.”
Cruyff Foundation in the Caribbean
The Cruyff Foundation has been active in the Caribbean since 2005 through Cruyff Courts and the sports programs running on these fields. The Cruyff Court on Bonaire is the eighth Cruyff Court in the region.
Niels Meijer, Director of the Cruyff Foundation, shares: "In 2006, Johan Cruyff visited our projects in the Caribbean. During this trip, he also visited FKPD, where he was deeply impressed by the care provided to the clients and the impact the center has on the lives of people with disabilities. It makes me incredibly proud that, together with local partners, we have been able to establish a Cruyff Court at this location more than 20 years later."
