Mathieu van der Poel, a Belgian cycling legend and international sports icon, has once again demonstrated that compassion off the track is just as important as medals and trophies in determining greatness. The AlpecinβDeceuninck celebrity made a heartfelt and inspirational announcement when he formally established the “A Hope Rising Foundation” in his birthplace of Kapellen, Belgium. The foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve and change the lives of children with disabilities.
Offering free medical care, necessary equipment, and emotional support to children with disabilities and their families in nearby Belgian communities is the foundation’s compelling and intensely personal goal. Van der Poel views the effort as a sincere attempt to give back to the location that influenced his life before he rose to the top of the world rankings.
Van der Poel’s family, teammates, and local politicians attended the launch event, which took place in the Kapellen Community Hall. “These kids are the true champions,” he declared, addressing an audience of impassioned supporters. More inspiring than any finish line I’ve ever crossed are their bravery, tenacity, and grins. Because every child deserves hope, I want them to feel loved, supported, and seen through my foundation.
The three main pillars of the “A Hope Rising Foundation” will be community inclusion, education and empowerment, and medical assistance. The charity will provide medical care, physical therapy, and the acquisition of mobility aids for underprivileged children as part of its healthcare initiative. Within the first year of operation, van der Poel’s team has committed to funding at least 100 medical interventions in collaboration with Antwerp University Hospital.
The foundation will also prioritize education and empowerment, giving kids access to educational materials, specialized instruction, and technology that promotes their growth and self-reliance. The program will also include family support services, which will provide parents of disabled children with financial aid, counseling, and respite care.
Van der Poel, who is renowned for his unwavering perseverance and sportsmanship, has already won over millions of fans with his cycling accomplishments, including his victories at the World Championship and the Tour of Flanders. However, those closest to him claim that this deed of kindness embodies his greatest greatness.
Christoph Roodhooft, team director for AlpecinβDeceuninck, stated that Mathieu has always been motivated by his heart. On the road, he is a tough competitor, but off it, he is modest, grounded, and incredibly rooted in his heritage. His true self is reflected in this basis.
Fans worldwide praised van der Poel as “an angel in human form” and “a hero beyond cycling,” and social media was ablaze with thanks and admiration after the announcement. The foundation’s first significant project, a children’s rehabilitation and recreation facility slated to open in 2026, has already received a lot of volunteer support from Kapellen residents.
Mathieu van der Poel is redefining what it means to be a champion by turning compassion into tangible action. He is giving hope a name, a face, and a future through “A Hope Rising Foundation,” demonstrating once more that real success is about raising people up so they can rise as well as about crossing the finish line.