For the unaccompanied minors who manage to reach the Netherlands after a harrowing journey that includes leaving their families and support system behind in search of peace and safety, there is no finish line, applause or medals.
We believe every child deserves recognition—especially for the strength, courage, and resilience it takes to make such a difficult journey. With the support of our partners, on August 29th, we organized a Rolling Aid Event at the Olympic Stadium in Amsterdam for over 100 unaccompanied minors to participate in a round of sporting events to encourage them in working towards their hopes and dreams.
Unaccompanied minors may or may not be able to attend school, and often spend days or weeks without any engaging activities. When the children first arrived at the stadium for a day of “Olympic Games,” many seemed somewhat cautious, unsure of what to expect.
Soon their moods changed from curiosity to excitement, as they raced around the track, hurdled over high jump bars and set their sights on archery targets, fully immersing themselves in every activity.
The day started with the lighting of the symbolic “Olympic” torch by People for People Olympic Ambassador Muna Dahouk and Zaher Shalhoub, renowned skeet shooting Olympic hopeful and successful restaurateur, both Syrian refugees.
Muna, a judo champion, had to take a ten-year hiatus from the sport during the outbreak of the war. After arriving in the Netherlands in 2019, she was able to revive her dream of becoming an Olympian and compete as a member of the Olympic Refugee Team this year in Paris.
“Having a goal again felt empowering, like I had a new sense of purpose and direction…it’s incredibly important for unaccompanied minors, as it gives them structure, hope, and something positive to focus on during a challenging time,” said Muna.
For unaccompanied minors—usually between 12 and 17 years old—the lack of a family support system can be especially tough. Without a parent or guardian to provide encouragement and motivation, many of these children face immense challenges. But events like these can play a powerful role in helping them feel supported and empowered. Through sports, they can find a sense of community, set goals, and build a foundation of confidence. It gives them something concrete to work toward and a chance to experience joy in a safe and healthy environment.
As the day drew to a close, there was one final moment of recognition. Each child was awarded an individual medal with the words “Never stop dreaming”—a tangible symbol of their participation, resilience, and spirit.
“They were so excited and proud,” said Muna, after the medal ceremony. “I think it boosted their confidence and made them feel recognized.”
For many of these children, that medal will serve as a reminder of their strength and the hope that drives them forward, even in the face of hardship. It represents the possibility of a brighter future and the belief that no matter where they come from, they too deserve a chance to chase their dreams.
“A medal may be small in size but the impact can be huge. Seeing the boys cheering and hugging after receiving them made me realise how much this can mean to a child who has come so far and is given the encouragement and strength they need to continue building a bright future for themselves,” said People for People team member, Pauline van der Werff.
We want to send a special thanks to Champion Trophy Products. The medal the children received that day is a symbol that will remind them of their strength and resilience and help them hold on to their hopes and dreams for a better future.
Let’s continue to support these incredible young people on their journeys and help them build a future they can be proud of. Together, we can empower the next generation to reach for their dreams.
