What do ferraris, a runway and dreams have in common? Nothing much normally but this was a unique situation.
Every year, Forza Services (services company for ferraris) and the Ferrari Club of the Netherlands, team up with the Dutch Air Force to make the dreams and wishes of children become a reality. However, these are not just any children - the program selects terminally ill or underprivileged children. The Ferrari drivers participate by taking the children as a passenger in their car at high speeds - down the runway. In addition, the drivers raise funds for the sponsored foundation to continue their charitable work. This year it was underprivileged children helped by Stichting Leergeld Eindhoven.
Children are innocent. No child is poor but are born in families with very little disposable income. Unfortunately, people treat these children differently consciously or unconsciously - based on things children have no control over. That is disheartening but we know this is the reality. However, on this special day the theme is fast cars and fun, not their financial status. The goal is to feel the thrill of being in a ferrari at high speeds.
This event is a logistical planning feat. However, the owners at Forza have managed to accomplish this annual event with the cooperation of the Volkel Air Base for many years. The event location changed this year to the Eindhoven Air Base. That is because of the activities at Volkel due to the war in Ukraine. It was great that the event was not cancelled. Children, parents, Ferrari drivers and visitors like myself were duly registered and vetted beforehand. About 100 ferraris arrived; they were displayed proudly in rows.
A band enlivened the day with swinging welcoming music in the background.
Upon arrival, children are entertained in a hangar with refreshments, face painting and jumpy castles etc..
In the meanwhile, the drivers are given instructions about the driving “course”. Bottom line - fast driving is what it's about but it’s not a race - there will be no chance to overtake. 😃
I noticed that most of the heads were grey-haired or bald. It is great that these older drivers, kindly volunteered their day to participate in this event.
As I was a guest, not a driver, I wandered around the hangar. I could go into this Display F27.
I made photos of the interiors,
and imagined the seats of the non-display versions being used by airmen.
Here is the turboprops - turbine engine - which propels the airplane.
Outside stood a F16, which children and adults could climb into and learn more about the aircraft.
Of course, safety first - there were fire brigades on hand
and a safety car.
After the drivers received their instructions, it was time to do a test run on the tracks - oops - runway. Remember it is not a race.😀 The line up looked very impressive.
There were sufficient long stretches for acceleration and also curves to make the drive exciting for the drivers and children - while still observing the safety rules and welfare of the children.
Everything was timed and synchronised.
Here is the flag man.
Whilst speeding down the runway, the airport of Eindhoven can be seen. That surely added to the excitement for the children as there was constantly landings and take-offs.
The children and their parents formed a queue. A few cars could accommodate 1 additional adult for nervous children.
Now the fun for the children really began!!
The excitement was palpable. Here they go!
At around 13:00 hrs - it was time for lunch. There were typical Dutch snack foods and sandwiches.
Thereafter, there were more rounds in the ferraris for the children to enjoy. Some children went up to 3 times in total and could even choose their favourite ferrari.
Then there was the photo opportunity - first for a few cars.
Thereafter, with groups of children,
then the Forza organisers.
Soon it was 5 p.m. and departure time. It was clear from the delightful faces of the children, that this was a successful event. The quiet start in the morning was gone - the atmosphere was buzzing with chatter from happy children.
Now the children have a memory that will be unforgettable. The gloomy start to the day had brightened - it was a good day indeed.
ferraris in the evening sunlight
All photos are my own - taken with an iPhone