Since 1991, Smash has grown into a tennis club where anyone with a mental disability can go to learn the sport, but also play in tournaments. “They can practice top sports here in a club context and every Wednesday evening there is training at two locations in Haarlem,” says chairman Coen van Paassen enthusiastically.
Game buddy
He has through NH Helps made a call to attract more volunteers. Because every player needs personal guidance. “For example, in a doubles match, you can stand in the field with the athlete, to ensure that the ball stays in the field. Then you are a playing buddy,” Coen explains. But people are also needed to provide guidance off the field or during tournaments.
In view of the latest news, that next year the Special Olympics National Games are organized, according to Coen it is nice if there are enough volunteers. “And we would like to have plenty of people in any case, so that the athletes can always train. Even if there are sick volunteers.”