Rabobank Foundation prolongs its partnership with Special Olympics

9 July 2014

More than 2000 athletes with learning disabilities took part in the Special Olympics National Games held in the province of Friesland on the 13th, 14th and 15th of June. Rabobank Foundation has been a partner of Special Olympics for many years.

Friesland as backdrop to the games

Athletes competed extremely sportingly in athletics, football, basketball, cycling, skeelering, handball, bowling, tennis and equestrian events for two days in various locations in and around Sneek and Heerenveen. New during these Games were the open water swimming and sailing events, in keeping with the watery attractions of Friesland. Nearly all the competitors were housed in the Special Olympics Village constructed alongside the Abe Lenstra Stadium. Some 12000 onlookers visited the sporting competitions that weekend.

Volunteers from across the Netherlands

More than 15000 volunteers offered their services for the National Games, including 60 volunteers from Young Rabo and staff from the local Heerenveen-Zuidoost Friesland and Sneek-Zuidwest Friesland Rabobanks. The local Friesland Rabobanks made a major contribution to the Games by not only providing funds but also by deploying their networks and staff.

Partnership continues

During the opening ceremony on Friday night the organisation announced that the Rabobank has extended its partnership with Special Olympics Netherlands to 2019. Roelie van Stempvoort of the Rabobank Foundation said: ‘Sport contributes to better health and improved self-reliance for people with disabilities. As such Special Olympics can rely on our support over the coming years.’

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