To understand aid to grassroots sport as a luxury or as a second-level aid is a mistake guided by the ignorance of the leaders who are in charge of some institutions.
Public aid or subsidies are more than just a few thousand euros destined for some kids who mostly cannot vote, as some say, nor is it money to enrich a few privileged people. No, it is a breath of fresh air for all those sports that are practiced on our island. It is an oasis in which our young people can take refuge, from bullying, from drugs, from violence.... in short, from all those dangers they face daily.
And do you know who is behind these teams? Well, volunteers, managers and coaches, who dedicate their afternoons and weekends to be with them, listen to their concerns, help them face their fears, take care of them and teach them values such as respect for others in a safe and healthy environment.
Many of these small-great athletes finish their studies thanks to the values of effort and sacrifice that are taught to them through sports, what's more, many of these young people are trained by the efforts of those coaches who, even though they are not their own children, push them to be realized and trained so that they have a better future.
This is a reality that many do not know but it is so. In sports, much more than the practice of a physical activity is taught, people with a future are formed. In return, the clubs only claim that small amount of money that allows them to carry out their activity in decent conditions for the proper development of the sport. I am clear that we will not be able to return as a society all the effort and work done by those who give their lives daily for the young people of our island. I hope that these words serve as recognition of a work worthy of admiration and knowledge, of these anonymous heroes who contribute to the formation of our children and, ultimately, to build a more just and respectful society.
By Juan Rivera, councilor of the Popular Party in the City of San Bartolomé
