Sanne's story

With your participation in the Cruyff Legacy 14K, you raise money for the Cruyff Foundation. For children and young people for whom sport  isn’t a guaranteed part of their lives.  For children with special needs like Sanne. Thanks in part to the sponsorship amount you raise, sports centres such as 'Only Friends', where Sanne participates in Frame Running, are supported. And children like Sanne can develop through sport.

First, let us introduce you to Sanne. Sanne lives with her father, mother and little brother in Almere. She was born with a brain abnormality. This was discovered shortly after giving birth, as she suffered an epileptic seizure. After examination, it was found that her right hemisphere had been "misplaced" by the body, causing her to suffer from severe epilepsy (over 200 seizures a day). As a result, Sanne spent five months in hospital as a baby.

When she was three months old, she had brain surgery. This is called a haemispherectomy. The doctors closed all the connections (nerves) between the brain and the body. This allowed her left hemisphere to recover peacefully, develop properly and, due to rest, regain functions over time.

Sanne is now a cheerful 13-year-old girl. She likes going to school and plays sports at Only Friends, one of the organisations that has been intensively supported by the Johan Cruyff Foundation for years. Sanne chose Frame Running.

'I really like Frame Running and I also have many friends here,' Sanne said.

Sabrina, Sanne's mother: 'The pleasure Sanne has when she does sport is wonderful to see. Besides, regular exercise is really important for her physical health. We are very happy that there are facilities and organisations that are committed to enabling every child to play sports.'

What is Frame Running?

Frame Running or Racerunning gives disabled children the opportunity to walk or even run!

A Running Frame is a custom-made running bike with a chest support and three wheels, one in front and two on the sides. You control the Running Frame with the handlebars above the front wheel. Frame Running is done on the running track, you train with other frame runners, but during a race you compete against each other with the aim of being the fastest.

By taking part in Frame Running you improve your fitness and leg strength, it also gives you the opportunity to take part in tournaments and meet other frame runners!