JOS supports schools and sports associations in six districts with sports equipment

The official handover took place at the Congreshal in Paramaribo. The equipment provided is intended for various sports disciplines, including badminton, volleyball, basketball, football, taekwondo, karate and mind sports. Sports organisations and schools from Paramaribo, Marowijne, Commewijne, Saramacca, Para and Wanica were among the recipients. According to the ministry, the remaining districts will have their turn at a later time.

Minister wants structural sports activities

Minister Gopal stressed during the meeting that the ministry’s support goes beyond financial subsidies alone. Sports organisations can also count on sports equipment, guidance from sports staff and the use of government facilities at adjusted rates.

The minister considers it important for sports organisations to organise activities for young people on a structural basis. Sports federations must therefore submit an annual plan clearly outlining their activities and needs. “You must be engaged with young people every day; then we can talk about youth development. Not just once during the holidays,” Gopal stated. According to the minister, occasional activities for which support is requested must also form part of the submitted annual plan.

Attention also for children with disabilities

The ministry also took children with disabilities into account in the distribution. According to Gopal, adapted sports equipment has now been provided, enabling this target group to participate better in sports activities. In addition, the JOS branches and district commissioner’s offices in districts where the ministry does not have its own branch will receive sports equipment.

The minister made clear that not every sports club can receive equipment separately. Clubs can, however, make use of the available facilities and sports leaders at the branches. A written request must be submitted for this.

Sports sector needs mapped out

Acting director of Sport, Enrique Ralim, stated that the distribution is the result of an inventory conducted by the ministry together with sports organisations. This showed that there is primarily a need for sports equipment. According to Ralim, the ministry received various requests for support over the past year, while hardly any equipment was available. Based on the inventories and the equipment lists submitted by organisations, it was then determined which items would be provided. According to Ralim, sports federations that have not yet communicated their needs will be included during a next phase.

Taekwondo association receives electronic scoring system

One of the organisations that received sports equipment is the Surinaamse Taekwondo Associatie (STA). The federation received, among other things, a third-generation electronic scoring system, which is used in taekwondo competitions.

STA chairman Gregory Markiet expressed his appreciation for the support. According to him, the federation had until recently been working with an outdated system. The new equipment is expected to be used in the coming years. Markiet stressed that the development of sport does not depend solely on financial contributions, but also on good facilities and modern equipment. “It is not only about money. We hope that more will come,” the STA chairman said.