One clambers with his eyes close to the top of the climbing hour, the other is aiming for an arrow in the rose or performs an almost perfect cartwheel on the inflatable gymnastics mat. In whatever corner of the sports village the children are located, everywhere there is great enthusiasm.
“I only see smiling faces,” confirms Wout Merckaert from Jespo, who is difficult to hide his smile. “There is nothing more beautiful than getting a few hundred children to exercise. During Back 2 Jespo we give children between 3 and 12 years the chance to discover different sports. As soon as they have tried everything, they receive a reward.”
Wout and Anke van Jespo. © lava
However, that reward, a healthy snack or small gift, is the last thing the children are doing. “We just want to try out as much sports as possible,” say brothers Aman and Yenis in unison.
“We already jumped on the trampoline and played a game badminton. Now we venture into a game of basketball. That is a completely new sport for us. We already have the taste. But nothing goes beyond football,” says Yenis.
A statement that Rustam is full of once. The young man is playing at Zwijndrecht and has a velvet technique. He proves that on the hockey and football grounds. Yet he likes to taste other sports. “I thought the climbing wall was super cool,” it sounds. “I am not afraid of heights. Hopefully I will be able to scramble up again soon.”
Rustam’s mother laughs. “It is nice that children here get the chance to indulge and get to know sports that may be strange to them. It is free and therefore accessible. That makes it even more interesting.”
Gino and his daughter Mila. © lava
Gino also praises the initiative. “As a child you can only determine to a limited extent where your interests are. By immersing yourself in different sports, you automatically discover what you like and less fun. In this way, Jespo motivates children to work out (permanently). I only welcome that.”
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