By José María Daza Sánchez
The Federation of Sports Leagues of Chocó presented a petition to the Governor of the Department, on the 6th of this month, requesting economic recognition for coaches, incentives for athletes on the way to the I National Youth Games 2024, which They take place in the Coffee Region between November 6 and 28.
The letter indicates that in view of the manifestations of annoyance from the members of the leagues, the Federation has been meeting with the INDECHO Management, to try to solve the limitations of the Departmental Government’s contribution to the athletes and coaches, who sacrifice so much to achieve classifications for national competitions. They demand, among others, presentation and competition uniforms, salaries for coaches, incentives for athletes, recognition of payments for medals obtained, resources for concentration and food, and the sports equipment necessary for competitions.
The document continues to point out that “The situation seriously affects the performance and motivation of the athletes who for years have prepared with discipline and dedication to attend different events and represent our beloved department, as is public knowledge we have not had the necessary support for the development of our athletes and this has been reflected on many occasions in the presentation and results of sporting events. Among our great difficulties we can find the non-payment of coaches, the required implementation is not delivered and finally the awards are not delivered to athletes, which has led to our sports leagues deteriorating every day and closing opportunities. “so that we can continue building social fabric.”
They also state from the Federation of Sports Leagues of Chocó that, despite the proximity of the First National Youth Games, to date they do not have the equipment or resources for their travel and they therefore make a call to the Governor, with the conviction that this terrible situation experienced by the athletes of Chocó can be solved with their intervention.
I have been insistent in this column that public policies for sports or culture do not work without financial resources. It is absolutely clear, and it is unknown to no one, that in the absence of private sector companies that support and sponsor these activities, it is up to governments to meet the needs and that unfortunately the administrations have not wanted to understand and want to ignore the great potential. that Chocoanos have in both subjects, culture and sports. Go out and say, repeatedly, “that there is no money” when royalty resources are squandered without limitations, being able from there to allocate some 20 billion pesos to each sector and see and have the ability to visualize the positive effect that it would generate in reduce insecurity, because they have young people active in healthy activities, in the image of the department, but especially in the contribution at the national and international level of these gladiators who work so hard seeking income and success.
An investment of that nature cannot hurt them. Athletes and artists cannot continue to be mistreated. Denying them the possibility of going to a competition after so much sacrifice in preparation is frustrating their future itself and allowing them to be co-opted by crime or simply, as has already happened in the course of history, to have to go to other departments and cities, where they are truly valued.
Sport is very important in the daily activities of communities and the contribution to the economy is important and representative. According to a study on the contribution of sport to the economy, carried out by the Universidad Piloto de Colombia, “between 2010 and 2023, the budget for sport in Colombia grew by 124%, going from 140,000 million pesos to more than 400,000 million weights. Investment in sports has generated positive results among them:
1. Employment generation: The sports industry creates numerous employment opportunities in different sectors. This includes athletes, coaches, support staff, stadium and arena staff, marketing and public relations staff, sports journalists, and many more. These jobs contribute to the reduction of unemployment and economic growth.
2. Investments and infrastructure: International sporting events, such as the Olympics or World Championships, require significant investments in sports and tourism infrastructure. These investments may include the construction or renovation of stadiums, arenas, accommodation, transportation and other associated infrastructure. These investments not only boost the economy during their construction, but can also have a long-term effect by attracting tourists and additional investments to the country.
3. Tourism and fan spending: Sports events attract tourists from around the world, which in turn drives spending on accommodation, food, transportation and sports-related products. This creates an additional source of income for the country and stimulates other economic sectors, such as hospitality, retail and transport services.
4. Impact on the entertainment industry: Broadcast rights contracts, advertising and sponsorship associated with sporting events generate significant revenue for media and advertising companies, which in turn contributes to economic growth.
However, in Colombia, soccer is the sport that generates the most profits in the country, followed by cycling, tennis and skating, since baseball or basketball, at least for the year 2022, had losses.
The Pilot University report continues: “Despite the economic and social benefits that sport has brought to Colombia, it also faces several challenges. One of the main challenges is the lack of investment in sports infrastructure.
Another important challenge is the need to improve the financial and administrative problems that affect its ability to grow and sustainably develop the sports industry in the country.
Therefore, it is essential to have solid and professional management to make the most of the economic potential of Colombian sport. “
Madam Governor and Director of INDECHO: Do not consider these comments as attacks, this is not personal. Accept the constructive criticism, it is simply that from this point of view it is unacceptable that, having the possibility of solving these small problems, because there are resources, even if they want to disguise them, these boys who with so much effort and sacrifice They prepare to represent Chocó and thwart their future.