Vitesse shows heart for young patients at Rijnstate hospital

Vitesse shows heart for young patients at Rijnstate hospital

From the hands of Vitesse players Matúš Bero and Sondre Tronstad, Ines von Rosenstiel (paediatrician) and Lisa Zoon (member of the Children’s Advisory Board) of Rijnstate hospital received a nice cheque of 2,500 euros for the outdoor play terrace for the Children’s Centre on Monday.

With this, Vitesse contributes to the ‘Heart for the Play Terrace’ campaign of the Rijnstate Vriendenfonds, with which the Arnhem hospital hopes to raise the necessary amount before the end of this year to realise an outdoor play terrace for the sick children at Rijnstate.

Playing outdoors without worries

“For every foul or yellow or red card that we receive as players during a match, we pay a fine for our ‘penalty box’. The money we collect in this way we like to donate to good causes in the Arnhem area. It didn’t take us long to decide, with our entire team, that we also wanted to contribute to a particularly good project: an outdoor play terrace, so that the sick children at Rijnstate, if their recovery allows, can play with their parents, brothers and sisters and forget for a moment that they are sick.”

Sondre Tronstad, midfielder of Vitesse

Matúš Bero, the captain of Vitesse, nods in agreement:

“As a footballer and brand new father, I know how important it is for children to be able to play and relax in the open air. In addition, as a small child I experienced what it is like to be in hospital. At the time, I especially missed my friends, with whom I always played football in the street and had fun. Every child should be able to play outside without any worries. Also when you are in hospital. I am glad that we can contribute to this important project.”

Matúš Bero, the captain of Vitesse

Play terrace closer to home

“Every movement, whether small or large, affects the body and can make a positive contribution to the recovery of the children in our ward. It is our great wish that the play terrace is built and that is why we are so happy with the contribution and involvement of Vitesse.”

Ines von Rosenstiel, paediatrician

Lisa Zoon adds:

“I’m a huge fan of Vitesse and normally you bale when one of the players makes a foul. But now that the proceeds of the Penalty Fund are bringing the realisation of the playing terrace a bit closer, I am of course very happy!”

Lisa Zoon, member of the Children’s Advisory Board