为爱征服长城 Conquer For A Cause

"Giving is my biggest selflessness"

Words that my dad not only said but lived by. My father enjoyed everything more by bringing joy to others. He was a remarkable human being not only in his way of life, but also because he was someone who never saw his disability as an obstacle.

Even though he was blind, he believed that anything "normal" people can do, he could do as well. When he was 33, my father was the first blind person to ever run the New York Marathon. Being blind was never an excuse to not try.

Unfortunately, he passed away four years ago. This year, as I also turned 33, I will be participating in the Beijing Conquer the Wall marathon in memory of him and support the blind orphans from the " Mifan Mama" organization in Shanghai China. I wish you all can support me to finish my 33 years old birthday wish！

About Dirick Jan van Strien

Hello FitHearters, my name is Dirick Jan van Strien. I come from a beautiful place called---- Groningen in the Netherlands. In my daily life here in Shanghai, I work as a football coach.

This immediately tells you two of my passions: football and coaching! I also like to do some salsa dancing in my spare time, amongst my other hobbies and interests. But I digressed a bit from my point. ^^ hehe!

Conquer The Wall Martahon

I'm going to join The Conquer the Wall Marathon in Beijing. It is a 42km run on 2018 May 12th, 30km of which cross the Great Wall of China, more than 20,000 steps.

The official Conquer the Wall Marathon on the Great Wall of China is the first and longest running international marathon on the Great Wall of China. A locally organized event held annually on the 2nd Saturday of May (this may be subject to change), offering a full selection of runs including a full marathon, a half-marathon, a 10k, and 5k.

DJ Reached out to FitHearts

Following in my father's altruistic spirit, I wanted to do more than "just run" for him. Since he was blind, it makes sense for my cause to be connected to visual disabilities.

Therefore, I reached out to FitHearts, an organization that cooperates with the Shining Star Orphanage. It makes my 33 years old much more meaningful.

The "Shining Star" Program

"Shining Star" is one of Mifan Mama's charitable programmes. It opened in June 2012 in Shanghai. It is a residential home for blind and partially sighted orphans. Here the children benefit from one to one care and instruction in basic life skills. Shining Star is managed on the basis of an extended family, with a resident care manager, daily staff and volunteers who work with the children each day.

Investing time in the children is important, as learning a new task is far more difficult when you cannot follow visual clues. Each task has to be broken down into small steps for the children to learn and follow. Each of the children has different needs, and therefor has an individual development plan written for them with targets to attain.

The meaning of 'Conquer for a cause'

The idea is to raise money to contribute to their education program and help them cover the basic needs for all this kids.

If you would like to support my run and even more important my cause, please donate by clicking/ scanning the QR code and SEE how we can make a difference together!

100% of your contributions will go directly to the Mifan Mama Orphanage's "Shining Star" program.

FitHearts Support

FitHearts encourages and supports Dirick's to achieve his 33 years old birthday dream in a meaningful way!

FitHearts is a platform engaged to support such great cause. We encourage you to do one little thing everyday to change the world for the better. Nothing big, but something meaningful. We believe that there is no boundary for Love and we are here to support and show you the way!

If you want to show support to Dirick towards his cause, please scan the QR code above, or add Dirick's wechat account to say "Jiayou!"