NEWS
Jackie Groenen, Robert Pirès and Claude Makelele inaugurated a ‘Cruyff Court’ next to Futbol Mas in Paris
In an event full of emotion and sport, the legends of the football world, Robert Pirès and Claude Makelele led the inauguration of the renovated sports field “Tristan Tzara” in the 18th district of Paris. This project was made possible thanks to the support of Action and of the Johan Cruyff Foundation, in partnership with the city of Paris and Futbol Mas France.
Another active agent for the opening of the court was Jackie Groenenplayer of the PSG and selected from the Netherlands, who is an ambassador for the Foundation Cryuff and that he was able to visit the court and leave a message for the children who occupy the field, “is a place where they can fulfill the dreams. These fields are more than just a space for play and sports. Here grow the friendships.”
Since 2012, the Foundation Cruyff installs a ‘Cruyff Court Special’ in the host city of the Summer Paralympics, with the aim of ensuring access to sport for children in a situation of disability, and to promote equal opportunities. On this occasion, after the Games Paris 2024, is opened two Cruyff Courts: one wheelchair accessible and suitable for a paralympic sport as boccia, the wheelchair basketball and goalball, and the other with artificial turf.
The event counted with the presence of the deputy of the mayor Mams Yaffa, the director of policy of the city, Karim Ziady, the CEO of Action in France, the CEO of the Foundation Cruyff and His Excellency the Ambassador of the Netherlands in France. Also, gathered about 90 children thanks to the collaboration of Futbol Mas, Novosport and the centre Paris Anim’ Hébert, creating a festive atmosphere and enriching.
Futbol Mas had a fundamental role in the organization and animation of this event and will use these fields for almost all of their sessions sociodeportivas, thereby strengthening their commitment to the inclusion and well-being of the community through sport.
Claire Seang, executive director of Futbol Mas in France, noted that "without a doubt, this field will allow us to develop sessions sociodeportivas in a safe space, renovated with the best possible quality for children and young people can develop skills that will last a lifetime. Sure that the community will be involved, and this place will become a safe space for our beneficiaries. We are grateful for the invitation of our partners, with whom we share the idea that the sport can transform reality."
This event represents a huge step for the promotion of sport as an engine of social change in the 18th district of Paris, and a breakthrough in the creation of spaces safe and accessible for all children and young people.