Omarm Rotterdam!

During the first lockdown in 2020, Rotterdam Sportsupport asked Mothership to create a symbol of support for sports clubs and their volunteers, whose activities had come to a standstill due to Covid-19. This request evolved into a broader initiative to strengthen community life across the city.

Sportsupport had long used the captain’s armband as a symbol of leadership, involvement, and unity. Mothership translated this into a guerrilla-style action in which statues and city icons were fitted with a newly designed armband. The design — featuring the Rotterdam coat of arms and the motto Sterker door strijd (“Stronger through struggle”) — was created by artist Arno Coenen and quickly went viral on social media. Mothership was responsible for the concept development, coordination, and execution of the project.

In December 2020, during the canceled Sportsupport Congress, the Euromast was wrapped with a massive captain’s band — a powerful, visible symbol of unity and resilience.

The collaboration continued in 2021 in a new form. The captain’s band returned during the 40th edition of the Rotterdam Marathon on October 24. Mothership designed a 14-by-30-meter banner for the Green Stand — the headquarters of Rotterdam Sportsupport — located along the marathon route. At the same time, 40 runners ran on treadmills on the rooftop, celebrating both the organization’s anniversary and the farewell of its general director. These bold visual gestures brought Sportsupport’s message to life — highlighting the power of sport, leadership, and the deep sense of connection that defines Rotterdam.