Niels Vink, the 21-year-old Dutch wheelchair tennis player, is our new ambassador! With his physical and mental spirit and positive attitude, he is a great representative for our Foundation. At the age of one, Niels lost both legs and the tips of his fingers due to a meningococcal bacterium, which led to him being in a wheelchair from a young age.
The Cruyff Foundation Open Day
In 2012, Niels went to the Paralympic Games in London with his mother. There, he was inspired by all the sports and knew for sure that he wanted to be there someday. That same year, Niels Vink encountered the Cruyff Foundation during the Cruyff Foundation Open Day at the Olympic Stadium in Amsterdam, where children with special needs could try out different sports. Niels attended the Open Day with his mother, grandfather and grandmother. On that day, he also got introduced to wheelchair tennis and met Johan Cruyff in person, which left a lasting impression on him.
Niels: "I personally met Johan during the Open Day. I find that very special. After the Open Day, my tennis career began, so that's a very beautiful memory. I especially want to inspire and motivate other children to enjoy sports and physical activity. You definitely don't have to become an Olympic or Paralympic champion. Being active and having fun is the most important thing."
Paralympic Games 2024
Niels will represent our country at the upcoming Paralympic Games in Paris. He competes in the category called "quad," which is for athletes who have not only a mobility impairment but also limited hand or arm function. He already holds several major titles, including Wimbledon, and he plans to expand on that in Paris!
