Mentelity Snowboard School Landgraaf opened with successful Fund Day

The Mentelity Foundation opened the third location of the Mentelity Snowboard School at SnowWorld in Landgraaf on Saturday, September 12, in collaboration with IT4Kids and the Cruyff Foundation. During a successful Snowboard Fund Day, 23 participants were introduced to adapted snowboarding.

The Mentelity Snowboard School was created to show children with physical challenges that snowboarding is possible. Mentelity Foundation-trained teachers look at each student's abilities and provide customized instruction with the goal of giving everyone the chance to enjoy the snow.

Out into the cold
During the opening of the new venue, 23 participants went out into the snow for the first time. After the opening speech by Bibian Mentel, it was time to change clothes and head for the cold of the hall. Due to the circumstances surrounding the coronavirus, not a large group, but smaller groups with a personal guide.

After a good warm-up and the first steps on the board, it was time for the first runs on the slopes. "It is beautiful to see the amazement on the faces of the participants as they come down the slopes," said Merijn Koek, snowboard instructor at Mentelity Snowboard School. "They didn't think this was possible, but by letting them look at the possibilities you give them a boost in self-confidence. That's great to see every time."

View all photos from the opening of the Mentelity Snowboard School in Landgraaf here.

Mentelity Snowboard School
The Snowboard Fund Day served as the opening for the lessons of the Mentelity Snowboard School in Landgraaf. Starting Saturday, Sept. 26, people with physical challenges can take weekly lessons to possibly grow into new Paralympic heroes representing the Netherlands at the Paralympic Games.

Are you interested in taking lessons? Then take a quick look at the special Mentelity Snowboardschool page or contact Merijn Koek (merijn@mentelity.org). See you soon in the snow!