Earlier this year, with thanks to the cooperation with the Cruyff Foundation and the support of the players of the National Postcode Lottery, we were able to implement the first Cruyff Court in a refugee camp. Content creator Kalvijn was asked to bring the refugee situation on Lesvos and impact of space for sports and games to the attention of young people. The result: An insightful social documentary about the impact the Cruyff Court on the lives of the children living in RIC Lesvos.
In a nutshell, Kalvijn maps out the refugee situation and takes you into the camp and onto the field. In conversation with Mohamed and Mohammed, bestfriends of 7 and 8 years old from Afghanistan, you hear how they experience life in the camp and what they think of the Cruyff Court. He also speaks with Johan's daughter, Susila Cruijff, who tells about her father's wish to do something for refugee children.
Kalvijn meets Saifollah, a 14 year old from boy from Afganistan. Together they speak about life in the camp and his recent good news, he is leaving the camp for Athens. Kalvijn also visits what is left of the burned down Moria camp and meets Ali, our CampUs representative. Together they speak about the mission of Movement On The Ground and Ali's personal journey as a refugee.
In this episode, Kalvijn meets Arash, 13 years old from Afganistan, who struggles with life in the camp. His father Edi Mohammed talks to Kalvijn about his situation and what the Cruyff Court brings to Arash mentally. Kalvijn then leaves the camp to speak with the local Greek population who appear to be divided about the presence of the camp on Lesvos. He also chats with Rob and Danya, two Cruyff coach trainers about the Cruyff Foundation's mission "Creating Space".
In the final episode of this four part series, Kalvijn asks the children of RIC Lesvos, coaches, locals and MOTG coordinators about what needs to be done to improve the camp. He also speaks with these individuals about how they envision the future of the refugee situation. Over the past four episodes, we have had an insight into what life is like in RIC Lesvos. And no matter how complicated the entire refugee situation is, in the end almost everyone wants the same thing.
Together, the Cruyff Foundation and Movement On The Ground believe that a more dignified life for refugees and greater connection between refugees and their local host community can be realised through sports facilities and coaching. Our joint mission is to create space for both refugee and local children to learn, develop, heal and connect through sports.
Sports and games can literally bring about change, certainly also in mutual relationships. Sport is a universal language, regardless of background, culture, religion or disability. It provides development, self-confidence, but also connection. And every person, and especially children, has a right to that.
The Johan Cruyff Foundation supports and develops sports activities for children all over the world. We focus on children in need. Through sports projects for children with a disability and projects like the Cruyff Courts and Schoolyard14 we create space for these children. Space to grow, space to make friends and space to improve physical and mental health. Space to become who they are.
With the support of the players of the National Postcode Lottery, 3 Cruyff Courts can soon be constructed, two on Lesbos and one on Samos. Cruyff Foundation-trained coaches will also actively run development programs with young people and provide an activity program together with them. The National Postcode Lottery donated a check for no less than 1 million euros to realize this.
Kelvin (25) or better known as 'Kalvijn' is a real sober Dutch boy from Groningen. But next to his Dutch sobriety lies a real multi-talent. Despite his young age, he already has countless titles to his name in the media landscape.
Kelvin started his first video in 2010 under the name 'TheKelvlog' which changed to Kalvijn in 2016. You also know Kelvin as the owner of the VEED Awards, owner of the Cinemates company, as a program maker, as a producer of various own series, as a musician and author of 'Van Niks Naar Clicks'. In short, Kelvin is a passionate content maker in every area. His life motto “be crazy, you're already normal” fits in perfectly with this.
We envision a global Movement of people, organisations and governing bodies that put the human back into the humanitarian sector, ensuring all refugees live in a dignified, safe, enabling and healing environment. Will you join the Movement?