Together we're fans with Silvia!
The Brainport region is growing fast. More and more people from all over the world are living and working together here. This creates enormous diversity and living together does not always come naturally. The Brainport Eindhoven & PSV partnership re-released BOTS' song '7 days long' with La Fuente and Eindhoven's Finest. PSV's players also appeared in unique shirts with golden stripes and a Spotify code. After all, this is where we work, fight and celebrate together. We speak to winners who have received these unique, signed shirts.
The first winner of the unique, signed PSV shirt is Silvia (43). She lives with her husband and three daughters in the sociable Son & Breugel. Silvia also works at Spectrum Brabant, a non-profit organisation that works hard for equal opportunities for all children at school. After all, not everyone can afford expensive tutoring or has it easy with a language deficiency.
What does it mean to you to be a fan?
Being from the area, I have been a PSV fan for a long time, but I don't necessarily have to see all the games. However, two of my daughters dó and when PSV plays, everyone has to be completely silent. One of my daughters has even painted her bedroom red and white and plays football herself. When I open the door of her room, Luuk de Jong looks at me. I am proud of what PSV has achieved this year. In fact, once I watch, I become fanatical myself and am the loudest supporter.
You said you live in Son & Breugel. Are you a proud resident?
Yes, it is a very pleasant village where people know each other. There are all kinds of activities organised all the time, from music festivals to events for young and old. And to make it all possible, there is a lot of volunteering. Everyone who wants to do or experience something has to put in the time themselves. And you can see that there is real consideration for each other. So yes, I'm really proud of Son and Breugel.
How do you view the Brainport region?
I think primarily of the collaborations in Eindhoven and the region. It is a connecting factor of companies and schools working together. My youngest also attends a Brainport school so you see it reflected that way in the region.
What do you think of Brainport Eindhoven's '7 days long' campaign?
Fun and Good. Fighting together, celebrating together and working together. You need each other no matter what. Cooperation can sometimes be hard to achieve, but acceptance of each other is important, no matter who you are. So we should be more open to each other and do more for a stranger. Volunteering and selflessly doing things for each other are essential, and it makes you happier yourself. It is really satisfying when you try, because as I used to learn 'all good things come to those who make them happen'.
Finally, looking back at 'Working together, fighting together and celebrating together'. What do you like to celebrate?
The championship was of course great to celebrate. The fact that the entire city comes together, with me standing there as a woman with two daughters. You are one together, fans together, and the atmosphere was really great. That is also bonding, and that is how it should always be. That you accept each other.
Thank you Silvia! Enjoy the unique shirt!