Over the past months, we’ve been fortunate to collaborate with amazing partners to deliver a variety of Mind Power projects. Together, we’ve reached diverse groups from schoolchildren to professionals and refugees, creating safe spaces to grow stronger mentally and physically.
As part of the program, we asked students for feedback. Here are some of the things they shared:
“I shouldn’t doubt myself so much.”
“Turning negative thoughts into positive ones really helped me.”
“I really enjoyed the movement and mental health activities – it also brought the class closer together.”
“There’s a lot in here that’s important and really useful.”
“I’ve learned that I can trust my classmates.”
“Positivity, fun, teamwork, overcoming things, freedom!”
“That there’s not always a right or wrong.”
In collaboration with IBiSA, we launched a six-week Mind Power program in Aruba. Each week started with a different sport, supported by local organizations. One week it was ball games, the next a skating lesson with the local skate club, or kickboxing with trainers from Milliard MMA Academy. This multi-sport adventure allowed participants to discover new activities, try out different sports, and find out what fits them best.
After the sports sessions, it was time for Mental Health Chat Time, a safe space where we explored themes like positive mindset, mental health, goal setting, and personal strengths. Through games, conversations, and interactive activities, participants built mental resilience and confidence.
Thank you, Mind Power Coach Nynke, for your enthusiasm and commitment to excellence!
Finally, a big thank you to the International Olympic Committee – IOC Young Leaders and our local collaborators! Machi Danki to IBiSA, Dakota, Milliard MMA Academy, RollerSkate Aruba, Vela Aruba, and all the Kids and Parents who participated!
Explore the highlights from our Mind Power Aruba program in our video on LinkedIn: just click the logo to watch!
In January 2025, we kicked off six Mind Power sessions with 12 children per class at De Boustien primary school. Over two groups, 24 unique students discovered how to strengthen their mindset, build confidence, and develop healthy habits.
At VHS, a group of 19 teenagers (ages 13–14) is participating in a 12-week Mind Power program. Together with their teacher, they are exploring themes like motivation, resilience, and self-belief, equipping them with tools to thrive inside and outside the classroom.
Within the Solido program, Mind Power is supporting vulnerable youth who benefit from an extra boost in self-worth. Over 10 weeks, 9 participants with mental health challenges have taken part in an after school program, developing skills to feel good about themselves and their future.
For students in vocational education (ages 16–18), Mind Power is making a difference for young people facing challenges with attendance, low motivation, or difficult study choices. Across 12 weeks, 14 unique participants have been engaged, working toward new confidence and clarity in their learning journey.
“The lessons and conversations I’ve had made me feel really good. I feel safe talking about things that are on my mind or when I’m not feeling great.”- Student, 17 years old
In our vocational education (MBO), we ran a 12-week lesson series as part of the Sports & Exercise program. The focus was on mental well-being, resilience, and building stronger group connections.
Together with Sport Fryslân, we have launched weekly Mind Power lessons for refugees and newcomers in the Netherlands. These 10 participants, who are still learning Dutch, are building life skills and self-confidence through sport every week.
In Assen, I worked with 13 vocational teachers to show how Mind Power principles can be embedded in their daily teaching practice. This workshop empowered educators to bring mental strength and resilience training directly into their classrooms.
At the ALO University Symposium, I was honored to share Mind Power with 220 professionals and lead a short session for professors, teachers, sports coaches, and 30 final-year PE students. Following the symposium, we delivered a full workshop for 33 professionals, sparking inspiration on how to integrate Mind Power into education and sport.
Last year, we hosted an inspiring Train the Trainer day for coaches to get to know the Mind Power program. This program empowers young people both mentally and physically through sports, positive psychology, and themes like growth mindset, self-image, and personal strengths. Coaches took part in an interactive session with lived-experience expert Roeland de Wilde on creating safe spaces and making mental health a topic of open conversation. They also engaged in practical, movement-based activities that can be directly applied in their own coaching practice.