Miles4Justice Cup 2011

Miles4Justice Cup 2011

On July 30 Miles4Justice organized the first Miles 4 Justice Cup in the harbor of Enkhuizen. Our special guests for this edition were 25 wounded soldiers.  During a 4 hour session, 3 teams of soldiers competed on the IJselmeer to obtain the Miles4Justice Cup Trophy.

The race was organized to support injured soldiers and was sponsored by A.W. Bruma Publishing Company, Zegwaard B.V., Knoops & Partners Advocaten and Uitgeverij Balans.

The soldiers were wounded during peace-keeping missions in Afghanistan and Iraq to defend human rights, in their effort to maintain peace in the world. They paid a high price. Some soldiers stepped on an IED and were left without legs. Most were diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder upon return to the Netherlands.

According to Miles4Justice, many wounded soldiers are threatened to be forgotten by their societies. There is little respect for their sacrifice, although they have tried to bring peace in the world. They ought to be honored for their input. Our Dutch government should make a greater effort towards them. “To be amongst peers who share the same fate, is always a good experience.”, said one of the participants, “we could have more of that.” Commander of the Dutch armed forces General Peter Van Uhm attended the award giving ceremony after the race. He too noted that recognition from both society and the Department of Defense is an important issue.

Miles4Justice welcomed Dutch broadcasting NOS, who made this clip for prime time news on July 30, 2011.

The sailing contest for wounded veterans is likely to be hosted annually from now on, but can not be realized without your financial support.