Feyenoord Rotterdam provides unforgettable experience to Ukrainian kids
Sports, robot soccer and gaming. That and much more was what some forty children of Ukrainian refugees could do all day Thursday at EuroParcs aan de Maas in Kerkdriel. This special sports and games day is one of the activities organized by Feyenoord Rotterdam and EuroParcs with the money raised by the Feyenoord-RKC Waalwijk benefit match in March.
The day of the Ukrainian children and their parents who are temporarily staying at EuroParcs de Achterhoek in Lochem started off well. They were picked up by the Feyenoord players’ bus and taken to EuroParcs in Kerkdriel.
“They were all very enthusiastic and honored that they were picked up with such a special bus.”
Wessel Verhaar, Team Leader Sports & Health at Feyenoord.
Cooperation with Shakhtar Donetsk
In Kerkdriel all boys and girls who had registered for this Hand in Hand Action were surprised with a special video message from the soccer players Andriy Pyatov, Taras Stepanenko and Serhiy Kryvtsov of the Ukrainian top club Shakhtar Donetsk and Feyenoorders Jens Toornstra and Gernot Trauner.
“The warm message from the players of Shakhtar Donetsk really touched the children. They let us know that it is important and nice that soccer connects people from all over the world and gave the children a heart to heart.”
Wessel Verhaar, Team Leader Sports & Health at Feyenoord.
Distraction in a difficult time
After the official kick-off, the children got to work on the various activities that had been set up throughout the park. A colleague from Shakhtar Donetsk gave explanations in their own language. Despite the heat, the children enthusiastically participated in all activities led by the social trainers of Feyenoord.
“It’s nice to be able to distract them in this way and show them and their families that we care and support them.”
Corina Kooij, park manager of EuroParcs Resort aan de Maas.
Exercise is healthy
In addition, EuroParcs and Feyenoord are trying to enthuse the Ukrainian children in a positive way to start doing sports. Jens Toornstra and Gernot Trauner also urged the children in the video message to keep moving after this day. Toornstra, Feyenoord player, emphasised the fun, healthy and social aspect of sport.
Strength of Feyenoord
On March 23, 2022, Feyenoord and EuroParcs raised money during the benefit match that was dedicated to the Ukrainian refugees staying at EuroParcs vacation parks. Shortly after the benefit match, part of the money raised was used to donate clothing and other items to the Ukrainian refugees. Based on this successful day, Feyenoord and EuroParcs are looking at a suitable continuation of the activities. This is a day they will not easily forget.
