Last January, another dream came true. That’s when I won the Australian Open, and it was a special title because it was the only Grand Slam tournament I had never won before.
A lot was going through my mind that day and night—and not just the champagne. Because it was an emotional moment. A few months before the Australian Open, my coach and good friend Hans Jurgen Striek passed away. Winning the Career Golden Slam—that’s what it’s called when you win all the Grand Slam tournaments—had always been our goal. I would have loved to have completed this mission with HJ on the sidelines, but fate had other plans.
I can imagine you weren’t there in January, since Melbourne isn’t exactly around the corner. Students from the Dutch Academy for Visual Arts in Eindhoven—Thomas Swinkels, Thijs van Oosterhout, and Teun de Graaf—were there, though. They followed me on my journey to victory Down Under and made an impressive documentary. It will premiere on May 6 for invited guests.
The film turned out so well that I want to give everyone the chance to see it. That’s why there will be an extra screening at a place that’s very special to me: Stiphout, the neighborhood where I grew up. And you’re welcome to join us—I’d love to have you there!
Here is the program
On Friday, May 15, you are cordially invited to join us starting at 7:30 p.m. for a special evening at Zalencentrum De Smed, located at Dorpsstraat 40 in Stiphout.
We’ll start at 8:00 p.m. I’ll kick off the evening with my personal story. I can give you a little preview: broadly speaking, it’s about how to turn a life with a disability into a series of successes.
Now for the main event. After my talk, the documentary will be screened. I’ve seen the film, and I actually play a significant role in it. And I have to say that the 3 T’s have done a masterful job. The film is inspiring and moving, and features never-before-seen footage. Maybe I’m not entirely objective, but I think it’s absolutely Oscar-worthy. You simply have to see this.
Tickets
You can also attend this event by purchasing a ticket. For €7.50 (plus a €0.60 service fee for online tickets), you’ll be there and get a great start to your weekend. The proceeds will go to the three filmmakers behind the documentary, who had to cover all costs out of their own pockets. Included is a cup of coffee or tea upon arrival, and the staff will serve bitterballen. Presumably not with a racket. With a little luck, there might even be a second serving, but I won’t go into that any further.
You can buy a ticket using the button below. But if you prefer to shop offline, you can also pick one up—or more—at Travel Company Stiphout, Rootakkers 15, or at DA Drogist van Leuken, Dorpsstraat 58E. There are plenty of options, so do as I do: grab your chance.
I hope to see you on May 15 at De Smed!
Best regards, Niels Vink