Clapping, whistling and playing music for participants in ‘Brabantstraat’

Not only 6,500 sports enthusiasts participated in the Wings for Life World Run in Breda on Sunday, the event also attracted thousands of visitors. There were people everywhere around the course, including the Ginnekenweg, which had been transformed into ‘Brabantstraat’ especially for this day. “A really wonderful party,” says resident Mieke Nijkamp.

Brabant flags hang on the fence of her home, she wears a Brabant scarf and an orange hat and when the runners pass by, she blows a whistle. “We do our best to encourage the participants. 6,500 people through our street, really great. We make it a party and that is appreciated,” says resident Mieke Nijkamp. “And you should see how many participants say something to us, that’s very nice,” her husband adds.

A little further on, friends Joep, Mika and Gijs are standing to support the sports enthusiasts. Joep does this by providing music as a DJ. “We are here to make people smile. They can all submit a request and that has often happened. What I play most? Songs that go a little harder and songs from NAC.”

Entrepreneur Hans Cremers enjoys the enormous procession of people on his own terrace. “I didn’t know about the event, but it’s great to see.” He is happy with the attention for the Ginnekenweg. “We used to have eighteen bars here, now only about four. It’s nice that our street, the Wassenaar of Breda, is receiving attention in this way.”

A Brabantstraat has the red and white colors of the province. Louise and Liz therefore opted for a Brabant scarf and of course a sausage roll for dinner. “And we encourage all the top performers as best we can.”

Here you can read all the stories about the Wings for Life World Run.