NIBC Tour of Holland and VriendenLoterij join forces for children with muscular diseases

New social partnership unites for Spieren voor Spieren

The NIBC Tour of Holland will collaborate with the VriendenLoterij. As new social partners, both organizations are committing this year to Spieren voor Spieren (“Muscles for Muscles”). The goal is to get children with muscular diseases moving — not as spectators on the sidelines, but as part of the renewed Ronde van Nederland (“Tour of the Netherlands”). All proceeds from fundraising activities around the event will go entirely to Spieren voor Spieren.

Photographer Cor Vos

A partnership with direct impact
Thanks to an extra contribution from the VriendenLoterij, children with muscular diseases can participate — together with a parent, a top athlete, or a celebrity — in the “fat tire” races and cycling tours held around the six stage locations of the Tour of Holland. In addition, various activities will be organized during the Tour of Holland, with all proceeds going directly to Spieren voor Spieren. These include requesting a song in exchange for a donation, an auction, and the sale of VriendenLoterij lottery tickets. Participants then play in support of Spieren voor Spieren, with at least 40% of the ticket price going to the charity.

Those who play in the VriendenLoterij can also benefit from the collaboration with the Tour of Holland, with chances to win VIP tickets and unique Tour of Holland experiences. At three of the six stages, there will also be a large “friends section” at the finish line.

“For these children, movement is not a given, but it is a medicine,” said Erik Dekker, ambassador of Spieren voor Spieren and winner of the last Tour of the Netherlands in 2004. “Participating in sporting events takes children with muscular diseases out of social isolation and gives them self-confidence and self-worth. This partnership literally makes a difference — visible and tangible. Together, we work towards a future where we defeat muscular diseases in children.”

Erik Dekker and Spieren voor Spieren child-ambassador Lukas (photocredits: lvfphotography)

A shared finish line
From October 14 to 19, 2025, the Netherlands will be the stage for a six-day cycling spectacle. For the upcoming edition, the VriendenLoterij has been brought on board as Social Partner of the NIBC Tour of Holland. Together, they are committed to building a healthy society with more joy for children who truly deserve it.