Community Champions League participants from NAC Breda fight dementia
On Friday 10 December, the NAC Breda – Almere City FC match was dedicated to the fight against dementia. The NAC Street League project (Club’s name for the Community Champions League) commits to a current social theme every year.
The Community Champions League is a social street football competition organised locally in nine cities in eight different European countries, where the participating teams can win more points through Fair-Play, Fair Support and Volunteering in community activities than by winning their street football matches. More than fifteen participating schools were given the opportunity to hand in creative creations, empty bottles and a banner at the Rat-Verlegh-Stadium during the day through a drive-through. The banners were shown in the ESPN broadcast. In cooperation with the Chain Coordinator for Dementia Work and the organisations Alzheimer Nederland and Samen Dementie Vriendelijk, the campaign will be continued.
At half past eight in the morning, the first school found its way to the drive-through. Pupils and teachers were first offered a drink and some sweets to warm them up. At the other stall, the Christmas spirit was clearly visible and Christmas wishes were written down, which were hung up in a NAC Christmas tree. Three winners were chosen, Quin and Sven from KBS de Driezwing and Keano from KBS Olympia. They had more or less the same thought, namely that people with dementia can play sports in the Rat-Verlegh-Stadium one more time. Therefore the club will invite them to make this happen at the end of the season. Pleun van de Eerste Rith had a very special wish; namely that NAC Breda will promote to the Eredivisie.
While enjoying a Christmas biscuit and Christmas music, the pupils presented their creations. Large piles of Christmas cards, decorated candles, paintings, a doll and games will soon be delivered to various homes. Besides the creations, schools also handed in large boxes and bags full of empty bottles. From these, a donation of €73 is made to Alzheimer Nederland and €73 to Samen Dementie Vriendelijk. Together with the Chain Coordinator Dementia Network, it is being ensured that the creations and donations are well received and that there will be a follow-up to this action.
In the evening, NAC Breda played a home match against Almere City FC. At the moment, spectators are not allowed at sports matches. During last Friday’s match, 24 banners from various schools were hung on the empty seats of the grandstand. In the middle was a large banner with the text ‘NAC Street League supports the fight against dementia! The match was broadcasted by ESPN Watch, 076 radio also paid attention to the action. The team looks back on a successful day with a fantastic result that draws attention to people with dementia.
