Creating and playing honestly. That is what the sport is all about. Even Merijn Hendriks from Vlijmen knows that. He basketball has not been in a G-team for that long (for players with a disability). Yet he knows how to explain in detail what it was all about Sunday at the Super-G Special Olympics tournament in the municipality of Den Bosch. The event was held for the fifteenth time.
Merijn was one of the nearly two hundred participants in the basketball tournament, one of the many parts of this large -scale event. Marianne van der Steen has been involved in the organization for fifteen years. She continues to enjoy it.
“We have started in small, with a few sports. Over the years the range has been enlarged and it has been expanded with disciplines such as Golf, Tennis, Hockey, Football and Basketball,” says Marianne.
The competitions take place in different sports halls, but also at Cello, an institution that supports people with disabilities. This is done at locations in, among others, the municipality of Den Bosch and Vught. Marianne has been working for Cello for years. So she knows how important it is to leave pupils in their value, but also to be developed. Also in the field of sports.
“They are playing in categories in categories, but they are all fanatically.”
“I also think it is very important that our clients play with members of ‘normal’ clubs. We also take everyone’s level into account, although that does not matter for their institution: they are so fanatic!”
“The ‘lowest’ group has no game rules. Players who are housed in the middle category can be learned, can handle rules and take steps ahead. Those who have more in themselves, for example, let’s play against ‘real’ clubs. They also feel of players of the professional American top team Chicago Bulls.”
“But you know what is so beautiful,” Marianne continues, “they all really want to win, but are also very social. They can even have fun if the opponent wins. It’s great to see how there is a connection between all teams.” Let that be the goal of this Super G tournament.
“There is no cursing or used violence.”
It had even been noticed the volunteers who had to act as a referee in the Hazelaar sports hall in Rosmalen. Marianne: “This tournament has such a positive effect. It is not about people to get rid of cats. There is no untrue word. There is no cursing and violence does not occur either. There is sporting and fun sport here.”
The 42-year-old Anne can confirm that. “There is a nice, cozy atmosphere here all day. It’s great that you can always play against other teams,” says De Bossche participant. Unfortunately, her team did not do so well, but also with her the Olympic thought: “We are going for fun, we don’t necessarily have to win everything.”
Merijn Hendriks from Vlijmen knows what is the decisions in a competition: “Making actions and if you are aiming for you have won.” And De Vlijmenaar can also do something about it: “I have thrown the ball into the net twelve times. It is therefore my sport and hobby.” His mother and sister, who were in the stands, will be proud.
