Stichting Opkikker opens ‘Formula 1 Experience’ for children with disabilities

Tuesday 19 March 2024 Roy Kersbergen 1 min read

Stichting Opkikker, an organization we at SimRaceBlog hold dear, recently opened a new space at De Eemhof holiday park in Zeewolde, called ‘Opkikkerland’. Here, children with disabilities now have the opportunity to participate in an exciting racing experience in a specially adapted F1 simulator, as part of the ‘Formula 1 experience’.

This addition to Opkikkerland is designed to offer older children and their parents a unique experience. Ruud Sliphorst, the director of Stichting Opkikker, explains: “Thanks to the support of our partners, we’ve been able to realize this Formula 1 simulator, fully adapted so that children with disabilities can easily use it. This way, they can still enjoy the thrill of racing.”

The realistic experience of the simulator was confirmed by Floris Wijers, the leading SIM racer in the Netherlands. He emphasized: “This simulator looks like a real Formula 1 car and reacts like one too. It closely approximates the actual experience.”

During the opening ceremony, Wijers drove the first lap, with expert commentary from Melroy Heemskerk, a well-known Formula 1 commentator for Viaplay. Heemskerk was impressed by the simulator: “It’s fantastic that we now have such an impressive simulator here. The first children have already enjoyed it, all with big smiles behind the wheel.”

One of the ambassadors of Stichting Opkikker, Ramon, shared his excitement: “Awesome! Despite my disability, I could really feel the sensation of speed in the simulator. A dream come true.”