More than 1,250 walkers raise record amount for children with disabilities
The fourth edition of the Mega Walking Marathon took place today in Arnhem. More than 1,250 participants from all over the country committed themselves to a society in which children with disabilities are not excluded. Together they walked to raise a record amount of € 236,750. Participants in the walking marathon could choose from four distances - 4, 10, 21 and 42 kilometers - all of which were accessible to walkers with and without disabilities. This makes the Mega Walking Marathon the most inclusive walking festival in the Netherlands. A special starting signal sounded for each distance, with the 10 kilometers being given by Mayor Ahmed Marcouch. The event was organized by Stichting het Gehandicapte Kind, which with every walk calls attention to the fact that children with disabilities are still excluded five times more often than their peers without disabilities. The day also marked the foundation's 75th anniversary. For more information, visit: www.megawandelmarathon.nl.
Main photo: From left to right Art, Kick, Rebecca Gerritse, Turan, Kimberley Alkemade, Thomas and Kirsty © Sandra Uittenbogaart
All of the Netherlands walks for inclusion
This morning at 7 a.m. the first participants in the Mega Walking Marathon already started. A total of 1,254 participants walked in 134 teams. Many participants formed a team walking for their own project for children with disabilities. As part of the 75th anniversary, 75% of the team amount raised goes to the project. The remaining 25% goes to the foundation which then also uses it for projects so that children with disabilities can participate.
The event was unique in that it was the only inclusive walking festival in the Netherlands. Everyone could participate - even with a wheelchair or running frame. Because the walk was done in loops, everyone could participate at their own pace and all participants finished at about the same time, regardless of what distance was run. The day ended festively with the unveiling of the amount raised of €236,750, which the Foundation for the Handicapped Child can use to fund projects.
Rebecca Gerritse, executive director of the Foundation for the Disabled Child, looks back on a successful edition: "I am incredibly proud of the more than 1,250 participants, from Limburg to Groningen and regardless of disability, who got moving for a society in which children with disabilities do belong. The Mega Walking Marathon shows that inclusive participation really is possible, whether you walk, roll or are pushed: everyone participates. In addition, I am delighted with the involvement of young and old, families, groups of friends, avid walkers and even dogs. My thanks go to everyone who got involved today and, of course, everyone who donated."
Photo above: Mayor Marcouch makes his wish in the time capsule.
Photo below: from left to right Kick, Mayor Marcouch, children's mayor Annelien van Luijt, Executive Director Rebecca Gerritse and Kirsty © Sandra Uittenbogaart
75 years Foundation the Handicapped Child during the Mega Walking Marathon
Part of the route this year was dedicated to the foundation's 75th anniversary. Through a timeline along the route, participants gained insight into the history and impact of the organization. At the end, they could leave a wish in a time capsule. Each participant received an anniversary medal, and the day ended festively with the announcement of record proceeds. The proceeds will be used for inclusive playgrounds, sports facilities and other projects that allow children with and without disabilities to grow up together.
About The Handicapped Child Foundation
No child without friends, that is the ideal of Foundation the Handicapped Child. A disability does not limit a child for life. Being excluded does. Most children learn to live with their disability. Their biggest handicap is not being able to participate. They often have no one to play with. This can lead to a lifetime of loneliness. With the support of donors and volunteers, Foundation the Handicapped Child helps to make sports clubs, playgrounds and schools accessible. So that children with and without disabilities can meet, play together and make friends. The foundation has existed since 1950. In honor of its 75th anniversary, in cooperation with the Efteling, it is organizing 12 enchanting Game Days this year. For more information, see www.gehandicaptekind.nl.
Photo left: more than 1,250 participants took part.
Photo right: the Mega Walking Marathon is there for everyone with and without disabilities © Sandra Uittenbogaart
Mayor and child ambassadors give starting signals
The four walking routes started at different times. The official starting signal for the 42 kilometers was given by Jörgen and Nicky of team Het Palet and director Rebecca Gerritse. The 21 kilometers was started by NOC*NSF director Marc van den Tweel and former children's ambassador Joël. For the 10 kilometers, Mayor Ahmed Marcouch, children's mayor Annelien van Luijt and children's ambassadors Kirsty and Kick gave the starting signal. The 4 kilometer was opened by paralympic champion Kimberly Alkemade, along with children's ambassadors Turan and Kick.
Mayor Marcouch says: "The Mega Walking Marathon embodies what Arnhem stands for: a city that leaves no one behind. True inclusion is not a favor, but a fundamental right. It's heartwarming to see how many people get moving for children with disabilities. That is the strength of our society, and we as Arnhem should be proud of that."
Exclusion as the biggest barrier
Research by the Foundation for the Disabled Child shows that children with disabilities are excluded five times more often than peers without disabilities. They often participate less at school, at sports clubs or in the playground. According to the foundation, it is not the disability itself, but social exclusion that is their biggest handicap. The Mega Walking Marathon makes this problem visible and contributes to a solution. For Emmie (13), who has cerebral palsy, participating is anything but self-evident: "Walking is hard for me, but I do it anyway. It gives me self-confidence that today I walked 10 kilometers with my mother. And by participating, I hope to show other children with disabilities that they too belong. We can no longer stand on the sidelines. We should also be able to participate."
Photo left: Emmie and Pien ran the 10km. Photo right: participants with and without disabilities and even dogs participate in the Mega Walking Marathon
© Sandra Uittenbogaart
