August 30, 2021

Tom van 't Hek: 'Narrowing the gap'

Radio presenter and former general practitioner, top hockey player, and national coach Tom van 't Hek succeeds Kees Jansma as chair of the Supervisory Board of the Youth Fund for Sports and Culture. His affinity for our work and vulnerable children stems from his experience as a general practitioner and his passion for sports and culture.  

"I was already familiar with the Youth Fund for Sports & Culture and didn't have to think twice about whether I wanted to succeed Kees as chairman of the Supervisory Board," says Tom van 't Hek. "It's a wonderful organization, and I'm happy to give people a push in the right direction when needed. Especially now. You see that, partly due to the coronavirus crisis, the differences between people in terms of physical and mental health and finances are increasing. I'm very concerned about that. I believe reducing these differences is one of the most important challenges we face as a society. I'm happy that I can contribute through my chairmanship of the Youth Fund."  

Not self-evident

As a general practitioner, Tom saw people from all walks of life in his office. "In my office, I saw that many things we take for granted, like having enough money to get by and being able to participate in sports or cultural activities, are not so obvious to many people. From a young age, I myself have experienced an incredible amount of 'sports happiness and enjoyment,' but I was also aware that this is far from an option for everyone.

At my children's club, the club newsletter even included a list of children whose parents hadn't paid their dues. Or children were removed from the field if their dues hadn't been paid. I immediately told them we really had to stop this. Children shouldn't suffer because of their financial situation at home, and being able to participate is so important and fundamental. 

And whether you choose hockey, soccer, or guitar: I'm convinced that participating and belonging are essential for the development of children and young people. If you belong as a child, chances are good that you'll also be a full member of society as an adult. 

Also culture

Tom van 't Hek has had the opportunity to play sports since he was a child, and it has brought him so much. "The most important side issue in life," he laughs. "That applies to me too, although sports aren't the only thing in my life, as many people think. But sports, both as a player and a coach, have meant a lot to me and still do. As a father, I was always active in my son's soccer club and my daughter's hockey club. That club life is incredibly valuable. So sports are important to me, but so is culture. As a child, we also went to concerts and the theater. I'm a big fan of opera and cabaret." 

Families need to know where to find us 

The name says it all: the Supervisory Board oversees the day-to-day operations of the Youth Fund for Sports & Culture. "It's a fantastic organization with people who know their stuff," says Tom. "I'm eager to contribute to developments like collaborations with other aid organizations within Sam&. Participating in sports and culture is important, but there's more that can make a difference in the lives of children and young people. The more we can offer children, the better. So I'm eager to see how we can organize things as effectively and efficiently as possible together."

One of our most important tasks now is that children and parents can find us, and that we can find them, especially now that sports and cultural activities are open again. I'm eager to use my experience and contacts to further strengthen the Youth Fund, enabling children to participate and closing the gap between different groups in society. 

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