Genk (The Brussels morning newspaper): KRC Genk and KVC Westerlo are promoting dementia awareness through special events and match initiatives, aiming to reduce stigma and support affected fans. Their efforts include improved accessibility and community engagement.
KRC Genk and KVC Westerlo, two well-known Belgian football clubs, are working to understand dementia better and break the stigma around the disease. Their initiative is in response to concerning statistics from the World Health Organization, which says that 1 in 5 people will develop dementia in their lifetime, and these numbers are expected to double in the next 50 years.
How are KRC Genk and KVC Westerlo raising awareness about dementia?
The clubs understand that there is a big need to raise awareness about dementia, which is often misunderstood and carries stigma. KRC Genk and KVC Westerlo want to use their influence to promote a kinder and more informed view of dementia. They plan to hold special events, dedicate some matches to this cause, and work with dementia organizations to help fans, players, and the community understand it better. Their efforts are part of a bigger movement in sports to address social issues and health challenges. By talking openly about dementia, these clubs hope to encourage early diagnosis, improve support for those affected, and inspire other organizations to help fight this growing health issue.
“Dementia is the top disease we need to focus on. The KRC Genk Foundation wants to raise awareness about it. They started the Young Dementia Cafe for people on non-match days, which is a great first step. Now, they are making their matches friendly for people with dementia. This way, they can stay connected to society for longer,” says Erik Gerits, who leads the community efforts at KRC Genk. They have renamed the car parks, main stand, and entrances to make them easier to understand. There are special seats for fans with dementia and their caregivers, close to the stairs. “This makes it easier for them to get to their seats and leave if they feel overwhelmed,” adds coordinator Niel Janssen.
KVC Westerlo has made it easier for fans with dementia to enjoy games by putting up better signs and training staff to help them. They have special seats near the toilets, marked with a rose forget-me-not, so it’s easier for these fans to find their way. Lisa Vandepaer from KVC Westerlo said they’ve met two fans with dementia and their caregivers who are really happy about these changes since they used to find it hard to come to matches. The Alzheimer League Flanders praised both KVC Westerlo and KRC Genk for being leaders in this effort, helping fans with dementia feel included and improving their quality of life.
