Vitesse supports Bio Manege with adoption of horse ‘Classic’

Vitesse supports Bio Manege with adoption of horse ‘Classic’

On behalf of the entire Vitesse selection, Maximilian Wittek, Tomáš Hájek and Nikolai Baden Frederiksen handed over a cheque worth 2,500 euros to the Bio Manege on Tuesday. This cheque represents the adoption of ‘Classic’, a horse that, thanks to the contribution, will be able to give its best for another year for people who need extra help to ride horses.

The Bio Manege, part of the Bio Holiday Resort, makes horse riding accessible and affordable for anyone with a disability. With specially trained instructors and various aids, the Bio Manege makes it possible for children and adults to experience the relaxing and therapeutic effects of horseback riding. Also with (severe) multiple disabilities. The horses have different qualities, so that for all riders there is a horse or pony that suits them best. Numerous aspects of physical, mental or social functioning are promoted in the riders in a playful way and a strong self-esteem is built. The Bio Manege and the Bio Holiday Resort are located a stone’s throw away from Vitesse’s training accommodation at Papendal, making the two organisations actually good neighbours.

Vitesse makes a nice contribution to the Bio Manege, by adopting ‘Classic’ for a year and thus taking care of the horse. It is also a special horse, as the Tinker has eyes and ears of different colours in addition to its variegated appearance. Classic’s adoption is funded from the first selection’s penalty fund, which was also used a week earlier to donate to the outdoor play terrace for the Children’s Centre at Rijnstate hospital.

Sport and fun for all

Wittek not only handed over the cheque with teammates Hájek and Frederiksen on Tuesday, but also took a careful test ride on Classic.

“A beautiful horse, used for important purposes. “We believe everyone deserves sport and fun. The Bio Manege does incredibly good work to make that possible. Their horses ensure that people with disabilities can still ride horses, together with their families. This not only makes children and adults feel good, but can even have a healing effect. We therefore hope that awareness of this is growing. As a team, we certainly want to do our bit to contribute to that.”

Maximilian Wittek, Vitesse vice-captain

Wittek, Hájek and Frederiksen were also given, by carriage, a tour of the Bio Holiday Resort. Frans Wientjes, the director of the Bio Vakantieoord, was also on hand to tell the three Vitesse players all about (the work of) his foundation.

Grateful

“We are happy and grateful for Vitesse’s support. This allows us to continue to support people with visible or invisible disabilities who want to ride horses with us, together with our specially trained professionals and the help of committed volunteers, generous donors, sponsors and good neighbours like Vitesse.”

Karoline Visser, manager of the Bio Manege