Berber Swart
Berber Swart is a passionate advocate for sport and well-being. She believes that everyone deserves a happy, healthy and active life, and through her project Mind Power – Positive Mind Through Sport, she is working to make this a reality. With a strong commitment to mental health and inclusion, she aims to empower young people by combining sport with positive psychology, helping them discover their strengths and build resilience.
Her career reflects both her love of sport and her spirit of adventure. She has lived and worked abroad, including in New Zealand as Community Manager for the Central Otago Hockey Association. Back in the Netherlands, she works as an Account Manager for the Dutch Gymnastics Federation, while developing Mind Power into a recognised intervention programme for schools and municipalities.
Mind Power is a preventive programme designed to tackle two growing challenges among young people: inactivity and mental health struggles. By blending physical activity with themes such as self-image, motivation, growth mindset and healthy lifestyles, the programme helps participants strengthen both body and mind.
Each session begins with engaging sports activities, introducing young people to a variety of disciplines and local clubs. This is followed by interactive games and discussions, creating space for reflection, connection and personal growth. To scale its impact, Mind Power is developing a training model for teachers, coaches and social workers, enabling schools and communities worldwide to implement the approach.
Since its launch, the programme has reached children and youth in New Zealand, Aruba and the Netherlands, with successful pilots in schools and after-school programmes. With new partnerships emerging, Mind Power is expanding as a recognised tool for promoting well-being, resilience and inclusion through sport.
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