In my opinion, this is an ode to Jeroen, and in my opinion the organisation of the year is: Freediving Coaches of Asia.

The 3 missions of FCOA are:

1. to teach ABSOLUTELY EVERYBODY how to survive at sea.

2. to teach freediving because those that get to love the sea will take care of it.

3. to train coaches so that when those coaches go home they will also teach their family and friends how to survive and dive.

Jeroen wanted to do something to help the Filipinos, what we both have in common. He saw an opportunity, since he was in the water a lot. He discovered a lot of people, were not able to float or/and swim. He decided to develop a coaches training to help people, float, swim a little and free diving (diving with weights and a snorkel and mask, that is your only equipment).

I experienced his method, in a 3 day short training to become a coach to become a freediver, with two people from Thailand. Even though, I can dive, free diving is something else. I can not hold my breath longer inside the water, than outside the water. Oh well. I saw and experienced the tools he developed, the people he helped. The coaches, who would train others. During a training in Thailand, he helped another girl swim. In three days, she was able to not be afraid of the water and swim. Amazing! And it is all non-profit and done with his great enthusiasm and passion. He is so inspiring, he never seems bored to explain the theory with patience again. 

I cherish your energy and dedication. Jeroen is often on the move, he travels. During covid-19, he was stuck and finally arrived in India and there it is Freediving India fcoa.

So kudos to you! Way to go, and what a difference you make. Happy to be your friend.