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Gelderland | June 5, 2025

Meet board member Arnold Devreese: Fighter for equal opportunities

Everyone should be able to participate

Arnold Devreese is committed to equal opportunities through sports and culture. Not every child can automatically participate in sports or culture. The Gelderland Youth Sports and Culture Fund makes it possible for children from families with fewer financial resources to participate.
Since September 2024, Arnold Devreese has been a board member
(secretary(s/vice-chairman) is committed to this wonderful cause. "Participation is not only important, it's essential," he says with conviction.

From the SER to the Youth Fund – a life full of social involvement

Arnold (67) lives with his partner Jenny in Well (Bommelerwaard) and has recently started enjoying his retirement. But he's not one to sit still. For many years, he was director of the Social Affairs Advisory Board at the Social and Economic Council (SER), where he worked on issues such as education, pensions, healthcare, and social security. His passion for equal opportunities is evident in the SER advisory report "Healthy Growing Up, Living, and Working for Everyone."
which he co-authored.

Sporty Burgundian with a passion for culture

Lifelong learning and exercise: that's Arnold through and through. "I run three times a week, do ballroom dancing, tennis, and road cycling. I also really enjoy theater, films, music performances, and reading." Culture is just as important to him as sports. It's no wonder, then, that he's completely devoted to the Youth Fund.

Why the Youth Fund? "I know what it feels like not being able to participate."

Arnold grew up in a farming family in Belgium, where participating in sports wasn't a given. While his classmates went to football, he worked on the farm. That experience shaped him. "That's why I want to give children today the opportunity to discover their talents."

hedges.”

The best part? “Making an impact together!”

What appeals to him most about his role at the Youth Fund? "The energy that's released when we can truly make a difference together. Seeing how dedicated volunteers – like the Meerkrachten – are to helping children touches me deeply."

Call to parents: “Ask for help – the Youth Fund is here for you!”

Arnold addresses parents struggling financially: "Don't sit idle. Ask for help for your child. The Youth Fund is specifically there for families like yours. Give your child the opportunity to grow, move, and flourish."

Future dream: a fund that becomes redundant

What does Arnold hope for the future? "That we are so successful in creating equal opportunities that a youth fund will one day no longer be necessary. Until then, I will continue to dedicate myself wholeheartedly to this cause."