Multiple Paralympic snowboarding champion Bibian Mentel (September 27, 1972 - March 29, 2021) passed away a year ago. Bibian was multiple champion snowboarding and after she had to have her leg amputated due to cancer, she continued with top sport and became a figurehead for the Paralympics. In addition to her sports career, she was committed to getting children and young adults with a physical challenge into sports. Now, Bibian is honoured by the Royal Dutch Mint with her own issue, available to order on royaldutchmint.com.
The issue follows the issues in honour of, among others, the ALS Foundation, the Princess Máxima Centre, Make-A-Wish Nederland and the Dutch Cancer Society. With the issue we draw attention tot he Mentelity Foundation.The Mentelity Foundation
Bibian's dream was equal opportunities for everyone with a physical challenge. The Mentelity Foundation is committed to making Bibian's dream come true. The Foundation does this by inspiring and motivating people to get moving. It wants to show that people are capable of more than they think. Thus the Foundation not only changes people's lives, but also the way society looks at people with a physical challenge.
Sporty Issue
The obverse of the issue is an ode to Bibian herself. This side shows her portrait and is deliberately kept simple and classic. The reverse features the logo of the Mentelity Foundation, Bibian's passion project. The caption “IK HEB EEN DROOM Gelijke kansen voor iedereen met een lichamelijke uitdaging” (translation: I HAVE A DREAM Equal opportunities for anyone with a physical challenge) emphasizes the Foundation's purpose. The issue is available in coincard, in Silver and in Gold.
The Silver issue comes in a luxurious packaging containing an inlay of carbon, which is also used to make leg prostheses. A special reference to Bibian and the Mentelity Foundation! The issue comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.
Golden Issue in a Special Packaging
The Golden issue is strictly limited and available on the website of the Mentelity Foundation. For each sold item € 2,000.- will be donated to the Mentelity Foundation. The issue has a very special packaging: it is incorporated in the cover of a luxury coffee table book with photos and stories about Bibian's life. The issue comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.