ASML Summer Games 2024 festively concluded
Fire-breathers, a cheerful mascot, jaw-dropping BMX tricks, a performance by Junior Eurovision Song Contest winner Luna Sabella, and above all, lots of sports fun; the closing event of the ASML Summer Games at the Jan Louwers Stadium was a true spectacle! For six weeks, children (aged 6–18) from the Brainport region had the opportunity to try 24 different sports. No less than 1,200 children enthusiastically took part in the ASML Summer Games.
“Many kids don’t even know some sports exist.” – BMX rider Tom van den Boogaard
Igniting the spark
“There are children in Brainport who can’t go on vacation. To make sure they don’t get bored and to offer them an activity as well, we organized the ASML Summer Games,” says Anke Hagemeijer, Program Manager of Community Engagement at ASML. She continues: “The ASML Summer Games are about playing sports together and having fun. We want to ignite the spark in children and get them excited about sports and exercise.” And that spark was certainly ignited, both literally and figuratively. More than 500 children watched from the FC Eindhoven pitch as BMX rider Tom van den Boogaard lit the flame—after several spins and wheelies—to mark the start of the sporting finale of the ASML Summer Games.
Van den Boogaard was not only the torchbearer, but also present as an instructor during the BMX activity. The children raced fearlessly off the ramp. He clearly enjoyed the interaction with the group: “I love showing my sport. Many kids don’t even know some sports exist. That also applies to BMX. It’s important for children to see what else is out there. I played football myself when I was younger, but I found out that team sports weren’t really my thing. I’m sure there are kids who feel the same way. Instead of giving up on sports altogether, we can show them—thanks to the ASML Summer Games—that there are so many other options.”
Playing together is more fun than playing alone
Ten-year-old Adam was clearly having a great time. He had already taken part in the rugby activity in Eindhoven and was once again busy with the egg-shaped ball. “I’d already played rugby at school a few times, but the past few weeks were more fun because there were more kids. I made lots of new friends that I might see again when we play outside.” And rugby wasn’t the only sport he tried. When asked if he had tried other sports during the ASML Summer Games, Adam replied: “So many! I did water polo, padel, football, and hockey. I really enjoyed trying all the different sports. I want to join a rugby club now, but I also really like padel. My dad already played it. I had never tried it myself before. Now I can play with him!”
“We didn’t go on vacation this year, so it’s great that initiatives like the ASML Summer Games exist.” – mother Romina
A unique opportunity
Near the obstacle course, moms Romina and Inge watched their children. “We didn’t go on vacation this year, so it’s really nice that there are initiatives like the ASML Summer Games. It’s great that children can now see what kinds of sports are out there in an accessible way,” said Romina. Inge added: “My daughter plays hockey three times a week, so it’s hard to try something else. The ASML Summer Games were a unique opportunity to explore other sports.”
It doesn’t stop here
Our director Michel Reinders says he is “incredibly proud” of what ASML and its partners have achieved: “We set ambitious goals for ourselves—and we reached them. We wanted to reach 1,000 children this edition, and we exceeded that number. Another goal was for participants to discover a wide range of sports; on average, each child tried five different sports.” The ASML Summer Games and the ASML Foundation aim for lasting impact. Michel: “We got children moving for six weeks. But for us, it doesn’t stop there. The goal is for children to keep playing sports. If, for example, club membership fees are a barrier, we work together with the right organizations—like the Youth Fund for Sport & Culture—to provide support.” Large-scale impact is the ambition. Anke Hagemeijer: “Looking around today, there’s no doubt—this first edition definitely leaves us wanting more!”