ANPRick Brink
NOS Nieuws•zaterdag, 23:51
CDA faction leader in the Provincial Council of Overijssel Rick Brink (38) has died unexpectedly. A spokesperson for the CDA confirmed this to RTV Oost. Brink gained national fame in 2019 as the unofficial Minister of Disability Affairs, a position created by KRO-NCRV to represent people with disabilities.
Brink, who himself was in a wheelchair, was elected ‘minister’ during a live broadcast, something for which he had campaigned for weeks. He held the position until 2021. He then remained active at KRO-NCRV as an inclusion advisor.
This is how Rick Brink was elected the first Minister of Disability Affairs:
Rick Brink is the first Minister of Disability Affairs
Before 2019, he had been active as a politician for years. For example, he was party leader in the Hardenberg municipal council. A few hours before his death he was still present at the Oelemölle mill in Hardenberg. There he was at the opening of a camera system that allows people with disabilities to see from the ground how the mill works.
‘Popular in the party’
CDA leader Bontenbal says his party is defeated by the death. “Rick was loved in our party. He worked tirelessly for the CDA, even in difficult times. His other major mission was to allow people with disabilities to be a full part of society. He was a real figurehead and a huge go-getter.”
NSC leader Omtzigt speaks of a huge loss at X. “Rick’s optimism and enthusiasm was truly infectious.” And BBB leader and fellow provincial Van der Plas also responds to
KRO-NCRV also responded to Brink’s death. “We are shocked and saddened by the far too early death of Rick Brink,” said a statement.
The broadcaster speaks of “an inspiration to many and, with his passion and unparalleled enthusiasm, the best Minister for Disability Affairs we could ever wish for”. “KRO-NCRV is extremely grateful to Rick for everything he has meant to us and everyone with a disability. We wish his relatives a lot of strength and strength.”
