ABN AMRO and the Esther Vergeer Foundation: joining forces for equal opportunities

Esther Vergeer: “Almost 70% of children with a disability say they are lonely. Doing sports doesn’t just make you physically and mentally stronger, it also makes you more independent and self-reliant. Our ambition is to ensure all children with a physical disability have the opportunity to participate in sports at regular sports clubs, just like any other child.”

Making a world of difference

ABN AMRO has a clear social ambition: to leave a cleaner, more equal world for our children. Through our partnerships and activities in the fields of sport, culture and society, sponsorship provides a platform for this story while making a meaningful, concrete impact. “From a sponsorship perspective we focus on the themes of climate change and equal opportunities, in line with the bank's strategy. The equal opportunities theme is a great match with the Esther Vergeer Foundation. By joining forces, we can create more equal opportunities for young athletes with disabilities,” explains Ernst Boekhorst, Head of Brand, Sponsoring and Foundation.

Much more than giving money

The bank is taking an active role around this theme. “Through our partnerships, we want to act as an engine for greater equality and equal opportunities. That involves a lot more than giving money. We share our knowledge and network, for example, and develop activities together designed to create greater awareness and bring about real social change in the long term.”

ABN AMRO World Wheelchair Tennis Tournament

There’s a history to this partnership. Working closely with Esther Vergeer, the bank launched the ABN AMRO World Wheelchair Tennis Tournament (WWTT) thirteen years ago with the aim of bringing more renown to wheelchair tennis. The players in this international tournament have the same facilities as far as possible as the players of the regular tournament – an approach unique to this event. The partnership with the Esther Vergeer Foundation will further deepen the joint endeavour around the WWTT and help to spread the story more widely.

What does the Esther Vergeer Foundation do?

Through various national projects, the Esther Vergeer Foundation ensures that children find their way to the right place in clubs, and that clubs are properly prepared to give children a place among their members club in a pleasant, safe way. The Esther Vergeer Foundation literally and figuratively removes all the obstacles.

For more information about the Esther Vergeer Foundation, please contact the Director Marie-Louise Lemmen via marie-louise@esthervergeerfoundation.nl.