On October 6th, the Antwerp City Hall will glow green for World Cerebral Palsy Day. Through this symbolic act, the city aims to raise awareness for individuals with cerebral palsy and their support networks. Concurrently, Antwerp is highlighting a sporting initiative: the CP+ program by Koninklijke Groenenhoek Sport, which, with the support of Sporting A, focuses on inclusive football for individuals with motor impairments.
The International World Cerebral Palsy Day is observed globally to raise awareness about cerebral palsy, a postural and movement disorder resulting from brain damage before, during, or shortly after birth. By lighting up buildings in green, Antwerp joins the worldwide call for greater visibility, understanding, and support for patients and scientific research.
Lien Van de Kelder, alderwoman for Equal Opportunities, emphasizes: “By illuminating our City Hall, we not only draw attention to cerebral palsy but also clearly state what Antwerp stands for: a city where everyone counts. Accessibility is not just a focus for one day a year, but a daily commitment we work towards through our accessibility plan and numerous initiatives.”
Beyond symbolic gestures, the city is actively working towards accessible sports offerings. Since 2025, Koninklijke Groenenhoek Sport, supported by Sporting A, became the first regular football club in the province of Antwerp to launch a CP+ program. This team provides children, youth, and adults with motor impairments due to cerebral palsy, brain hemorrhage, stroke, brain tumor, or motor issues after a coma, the opportunity to play football structurally and competitively.
Stijn De Rooster, alderman for sport, religious services, and animal welfare, adds: “The name ’t Stad Sjot says it all and embodies a clear social commitment: in Antwerp, no one is left out! Considering personal needs, abilities, and ambitions, every Antwerp resident with a desire to play football should have the chance to smell the grass, experience the locker room and team spirit, and taste the sweet flavor of a goal or victory.” He recalls a training session with the CP+ program as “football at its purest, a training where the sheer joy on the faces seemed as important as the health benefits.”
The CP+ program of Groenenhoek Sport demonstrates how sports can contribute to greater participation, connection, and self-confidence. By fully integrating the team within the existing club structure, the association consciously opts for sustainable inclusion, concretely fulfilling the objectives of 't Stad Sjot, a collaboration of Antwerp football clubs focused on inclusion, equal opportunities, and social engagement.
