Para-judoka Seb Sloot first new 'Groene Appel' of 2026
Seb Sloot is the first 'Groene Appel' to be welcomed by Reggeborgh Foundation in 2026. Thanks to Reggeborgh's support, the visually impaired judoka (18) can now try to realise his dream of winning a medal at the Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.
The slogan “I am Seb Sloot and I am visually impaired. That doesn't stop me from dreaming big” on his website sums up what Seb Sloot stands for. He has a congenital eye disorder that leaves him almost blind. As a judoka, he competes in the J1 class, which is for people with little to no vision. In addition to training with a group of visually impaired judokas at Papendal, Seb also trains at the regular judo school Kenamju in Haarlem. He has always attended a regular school and is now in his final year of secondary school. ‘I walk to school with my dog Hinde, which is close to where I live.’
"I am really happy with the support from Reggeborgh. It means I can continue doing what I enjoy most, which is judo.
- Seb Sloot
Hinde is also the one who put Seb in touch with Reggeborgh Foundation. ‘The people from Hinde's puppy foster family put me in touch with Reggeborgh Foundation,’ explains Sloot. "I am really happy with the support from Reggeborgh. It means I can continue doing what I enjoy most, which is judo. The tournaments abroad, such as in Georgia, Kazakhstan, Egypt and Brazil, are particularly expensive, and I don't receive any financial support from the judo association or NOCNSF."
The support from the Foundation also enables Sloot, who won bronze at the World Championships last year, to pursue his ambition. ‘I'm aiming for a podium place at the Paralympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028.’
Inge Wessels of Reggeborgh Foundation: ‘Seb is very ambitious and works hard to further develop his judo talent. The self-reliant way in which he undertakes this appeals to us greatly. We are therefore proud that he is becoming a Groene Appel.’