Throwing wet sponges, dancing to pictures from a real disco bus and, above all, lots of chatting. It was a pleasantly busy Saturday afternoon at BeweegR in the Spoorpark in Tilburg. An afternoon was organized there especially for the mentally handicapped to meet each other in an accessible way. “It’s really fun here.”
Saturday’s event originates from the online platforms ABCDate and ABCMaatje. There people with intellectual disabilities can get to know each other. “For example, for friendship, love or as an exercise buddy,” explains Sofie Goeting. “Normally that can already be done online, now also at this festival.”
The activities are an important part of the event. The water games are particularly popular. Sofie also actively participates. “It is not always easy for people with a mental disability to just talk to someone. By throwing sponges together, there is still chatting with each other. It is nice to see that friendships or relationships sometimes come out of that.”
“I don’t need a relationship anymore, but some social contacts are always nice.”
At exactly two o’clock the first guests arrived. So is Coby de Bodt. “I’m here for a new friendship. I’m old now, so I don’t need a relationship anymore. But some social contacts are always nice.” Whether Coby will be successful a little later? “It’s still a bit difficult today,” she says. “But that will be fine.”
“Sometimes you think you’re alone, but you’re not.”
A little further on, Sandor van der Vliet is busy throwing sponges. “I dare say I can do this quite well,” he laughs. “It’s nice that you get the chance to get to know others. It doesn’t matter who it is with.”
Frits Bakker comes all the way from Gouda to swing on the dance floor in Tilburg. “Sometimes you think you are alone, but you are not. I often go to these parties throughout the Netherlands and have already met several people there that I now see again. That way we can go wild.”
