Sport 4 Socialisation

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Secretary

Grown up in a family of seven, and being the father of four kids, one is used to things not being realised instantly and the need to share things together. What a difference with today’s society, in which everything is expected to be done straight away. Bernard has been working for 35 years as a project manager for Imtech, one of the biggest technical construction companies in the Netherlands (and Europe). In his spare time he is an active athlete. Out of having a general interest for sports he joined the committee of Werkgroep Sport ’t Veerke, for which he was chairman for 20 years.

After a visit to Zimbabwe Bernard lost his heart to Africa. Besides the splendid nature of Zimbabwe he also saw a complete other Zimbabwe. The suburbs with their overcrowded living conditions, dumps and children ‘without’ toys. The hopeless situation hangs over these places like a grey veil, nevertheless these people somehow always have a smile on their face and the children creative as they are, make their own toys. For instance, travelling in a small bus with 50 people, when in fact it is made for 30, A taxi whom one has to push to start. A friendly and lively market, where you can buy almost everything in order to vegetables & fruit, bolts & nuts, drums and clothing. Through these idyllic images you see a nation in a continuous struggle to survive and fighting for a descent human life. The first victims in a war, because in principle that is what it is, are always the children and especially those living with disabilities.

Bernard is a motivated secretary and concludes: ‘If someone wants to offer a part of her youth, private life and future career opportunities to realise a dream, which will contribute to a better and prosperity future for children, you must act and help. Such an initiative deserves all support that one can give.’