April 24, 2020

Sports and culture in times of corona

Update April 24, 2020 – These are uncertain times. Many of the sports and cultural activities we cover are canceled.

Director Monique Maks: "Even more than before the coronavirus pandemic, society realizes that sports and culture are an essential part of children's lives. Many families will be affected economically, meaning a larger group of children will need our support, including those from families who haven't previously relied on us. We are pleased with the easing of restrictions, which will allow children under 12 to return to sports clubs starting April 29th for supervised outdoor sports."

Together with cultural organizations, we are working to ease restrictions so that cultural activities can (partially) resume. Dancing, making music, and painting; these can also be done outdoors in good weather.

We hope that our partners and donors will continue to support us during these times, including by taking action through our Action platform.

Payments and requests

We're continuing to process current applications and payments. For new applications, we'll discuss the start date of membership as needed. Everything is focused on continuity and efficiency; we all want children to be able to enjoy sports and play again as soon as possible!

Sports and culture bag

In several municipalities, children from our target group can receive a special bag filled with sports and play materials and craft supplies. The bag is available in Almere, The Helder, Haarlemmermeer, Utrecht and Zandvoort.

In the meantime, it remains important for everyone to exercise and stay active. Check out these initiatives from our partners:

• Exercise at home with the Miffy exercise ABC;
• The best football exercises for home: the KNVB will be posting a #stayathomechallenge every day in the coming period together with the Dutch internationals. TikTok and Instagram;
• Gelderland King's Games with call from ambassador Shanice van de Sanden;
• Fit with TeamNL Kids from NOC*NSF;
• Miffy Exercise Diploma: home exercise for toddlers and preschoolers from the KNGU and Miffy;
• Getting started at home with allesoversport.nl;
• Playing outside of the Cruyff Foundation;
• Weekly videos on Facebook with exercises for children to stay fit from the KNHB;
• Many music and dance schools offer online lessons, for example, via Facebook and YouTube. Search online for dance and music schools near you.

There will come a time when everyone can enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities again. Football clubs, dance and music schools, and sports fields will reopen. Then, together with our intermediaries, we want to ensure that everyone can participate, even if money is tight at home.

#staysafe