SPECO students in action for Bibian Mentel Foundation

Since last year, SPECO Sportmarketing and the Bibian Mentel Foundation have joined forces. In the Sales & Account Management project, first-year students sell sports socks from which the profits are donated to the Bibian Mentel Foundation. The foundation uses that money to make sports possible for people with physical challenges. That way they become "Re-abled" instead of disabled. In 2023, the students raised over €20,000. Now, after four weeks, the counter already stands at €45,000 and we still have six weeks to go. An impactful collaboration where commercial and social goals come together!

From Disabled to Re-abled
"The fact that sports are not just for everyone was surely an eye opener for the first-year students. Through the passionate story of Edwin Spee, director of the Bibian Mentel Foundation and former life partner of Bibian, this message really came through," said Marion de Cocq, karting director of the project.
"For our students, sports are generally the most normal thing in the world, but when you are missing a leg or an arm, you really do run into some serious challenges." Unfortunately, Bibian Mentel understood that all too well. She went from abled to disabled herself. But with the right tools, mindset and guidance, she became "Re-abled. Her dream and mission was to create this opportunity for everyone.

Benefits of sport
With the program "The Re-abled," the Foundation, through better guidance and the right prosthesis or orthosis, makes it truly possible for everyone to be able to play sports. And thus 'just' participate in our society. Sport provides physical benefits of course, but feeling good about yourself mentally and having social contacts is what sport brings. For 'abled people' already invaluable, and through this program also possible for people with a physical challenge.

 

Knife cuts on all sides
The students are selling socks, of course, but actually they are selling this story. It's not just about making a profit, but mostly about why. And thinking about what choices you make as a future professional in the marketing and sales profession in sports business. Serious business for them, in other words!
The project already had a successful edition last year. Not only because of the nice financial yield and what the foundation can achieve with it, but also because the students develop their sales skills further through this concrete approach and at the same time make a real impact on society. This year, this will be even more evident and powerful.

Students are so enthusiastic and are working diligently on the sales project. De Cocq: "We dare say that the proceeds will be tripled this year!" Thus, the knife cuts on all sides. On February 10, 2025, the check with the total proceeds will be presented to Edwin Spee.

Would you also like to buy sports socks and support the Bibian Mentel Foundation by doing so?
Please contact Marion de Cocq.

Also read 'SPECO students earn €20,000 for Bibian Mentel Foundation'.