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On March 18th 2008, Leo Benhakker, The Wandafond
Foundation Ambassador and dr
Ewa Kooyman met
with disabled children, their parents and specialists
from three Warsaw
centers (Zagórze, Centrum Zdrowia Dziecka and Ozarowska)
cooperating with the Dutch Foundation.
The guests of honor were:
Mr. Mavnix Krop - Ambassador of Holland with his
associates
Mr. M Pietrzyk - Director of Mazowsze Rehabilitation
Center in Zagórze
Dr. Jan Dudek - Director of Prof. M Weiss Memorial
Rehabilitation Center in Konstancin
Representatives of Dutch Association – Poolshoote.
During the official part of the meeting, dr. Barbara
Sińczuk greeted the guests. Dr. Ewa Kooyman presented
existing activities of The Wandafonds Foundation in
Poland, including forms
of help to children with cerebral palsy and to
rehabilitation centers in
Warsaw and Rzeszow. Afterwards she introduced Mr.
Leo Benhakker and told us about the meeting in
Rotterdam, where Mr.
Benhakker decided to help the foundation.
Speaking to the guests, Mr. Benhakker was deeply touched
and, as he said, he did not know which words to use to
express his feelings. He assured everybody that they
could count on him in every situation. "It is a pleasure
and honor to be your ambassador" - he said and signed
the document granting him the title of the Ambassador of
The Wandafonds Foundation.
On behalf of all parents, Mrs. M. Morawska, Olek's
mother, thanked the foundation and Dr. Ewa Kooyman for
all their help to children, equipment and training. She
stressed the importance of help, that the parents
receive.
Mr. Marek Kupiec, Piotruś's father said, “Parents are
also trainers, as well as Mr. Benhakker, with the
difference, that their team members are their own
children, who practice not for fame, but for the best
physical condition to be independent and valuable
members of the society. Everybody admits the importance
of conditions and equipment for every sportsman to
achieve the best results. That is why I would like to
present you Mr. Benhakker with the Manifest of The
Association of Parents with Children with Cerebral Palsy
to help our kids to succeed. If our national team puts
as much effort and heart into their training as our off
springs, then the championship is guaranteed”.
The Ambassador of Holland in
Poland Mr. M Krop expressed a lot of kindness
toward our children and all present people, and
addressed Mr. Benhakker with words, "You are the real
Ambassador".
Our teenagers with cerebral palsy also had few moments
with Mr. Benhakker. They run the internet site for
parents of disabled children. There were a lot of
football fans among them, so the meeting was one big,
happy event.
Our children gave beautiful, self-made pictures to our
celebrities. Mr. L. Benhakker, Mr. M. Krop and Dr. E.
Kooyman signed the special painting in memory of this
meaningful event. Children received t-shirts of the
Polish Team and pictures with Mr. Benhakker's signature.
Afterwards, there were photographs taken, autographs and
conversations with children. Everybody wanted to get
close to the coach and he refused nobody. Patiently and
with pleasure he picked up the kids and posed for the
photos.
During lunch everyone was conversing, while our honored
guest gave interview to the press.
It was a grand event for all participants, especially
the kids. We felt it's special atmosphere long time
after it ended.
We would like to thank Mr. Benhakker for the meeting,
wish him a lot of success and hope to meet with him in
the near future.
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