🌟 INSPIRING TOGETHER: Bibian Mentel Foundation + Mission I.A.M.
The ambition to challenge the impossible and the drive to improve prosthetic solutions bring two mission-driven organizations together. The Bibian Mentel Foundation turns “disabled” into “re-abled”; Mission I.A.M. turns “impossible” into a bionic leg built to run the Sahara. Same mindset, different terrain — this partnership is about inspiring together: proving what’s possible when the right people push in the same direction.
Mission I.A.M. is a bold innovation and inspiration mission with a crazy ambition: to develop a bionic leg that will enable a para-athlete to run the Marathon des Sables in 2030 — 250 kilometers through the Sahara desert. One of the toughest races in the world, it’s the ultimate test of human endurance and technology. But Mission I.A.M. is more than technology. It’s a movement that brings together researchers, athletes, entrepreneurs, sponsors, and partners.
The Bibian Mentel Foundation encourages and inspires people with physical challenges to become the best version of themselves. No matter how big the first step, the foundation motivates everyone to pursue their dreams. Established in 2012 by three-time Paralympic gold-medalist snowboarder Bibian Mentel, the foundation focuses on moving individuals from a mindset of “disabled” to “Re-Abled”. They motivate children and young adults to discover their potential through sports, movement, and a positive mindset. The spirit of Bibian Mentel is best described as boundless optimism, fierce resilience, and an unwavering passion for life. Her spirit forms the foundation of all of their activities.
We immediately felt a strong connection at the first contact. Today we’re not only announcing our partnership — we’re also introducing the first re-abled athlete to support Mission I.A.M., under that same idea of inspiring together: turning his 24 hours in Val d’Isère into both performance data for the bionic leg program and a story that inspires the wider re-abled community.
Steven van Roon, founder of Mission I.A.M., on why the partnership matters:
“Mission I.A.M. isn’t just about developing the technology for a high-performance endurance bionic leg — it’s about proving what’s possible when the right people push together. The Bibian Mentel Foundation understands that better than anyone, and lives that mindset every day.
Derk is one of the athletes that gives us the real terrain, the real data, and the real motivation we need on the road to 2030. That’s inspiring together in practice!”
Edwin Spee, director of the Bibian Mentel Foundation:
“We first heard about the Marathon des Sables in the fall of 2025, when re-abled athlete Pim was training for the Legendary. Pim will take on that challenge in 2027. When we heard about Mission I.A.M., we felt high motivation to support this initiative. We contacted some of our athletes to find a candidate who could support the project in its current phase: measuring performance and generating data. For this phase, we found another athlete from our re-abled programme: Derk (34), who will take on the 24-hour Crazy Loops event in Val d’Isère — as many 5km loops as possible in 24 hours.”
Derk: “A disability can make you question what is possible and even stop you from daring to dream. But the future is shaped by the connection between body, mind, and technology. That’s why projects like Mission I.A.M. matter, it pushes the boundaries of people with disabilities, showing that our potential is far greater than we often believe.
Just as the limits of para-athletes continue to be redefined, the possibilities of technology are constantly evolving. That’s why I chose to be part of this mission: to discover how much more my body can achieve with my prosthesis, and to help push the boundaries of what’s possible.
I know the journey will be challenging, and I’m ready to embrace every step of it. If my efforts can help create new possibilities for others, then every challenge will be worth it.”
Photo credit: personal collection Derk
Derk has been connected to the Bibian Mentel Foundation for several years. He has a below-the-knee prosthesis, and after first working on his own equipment and health, he’s now helping other amputees develop their skiing skills. He loves a mountain challenge, so when he was asked to join Mission I.A.M., saying yes was easy.
Thank you, Derk, for taking on this challenge and marking a strong start to the partnership between Mission I.A.M. and the Bibian Mentel Foundation.
The MDS Crazy Loops will take place from 21-23 August 2026 in Val d’Isère, France. To follow our adventure, keep an eye on this website.
Partnerships - pushing progress TOGETHER
You've just seen what's possible. Want to push boundaries with us too? Become a partner or sponsor. Check out our partnership page and/or contact Steven directly.