The Socialist MP Marcos Bergaz highlights that the measure aims to support the most vulnerable families with children involved in grassroots and school sports, and considered it a “shame” that the main parties supporting the Canarian Government, CC and PP, voted against it.
The full chamber of the regional parliament rejected a Non-Legislative Proposal (PNL) from the Socialist Parliamentary Group on Wednesday, which sought to implement a “Sport Voucher” of two hundred euros for children and young people from the most vulnerable families to acquire sports equipment or take part in sports activities. This was dismissed by the parties supporting the Canarian Government, Coalición Canaria (CC) and Partido Popular (PP), with excuses like “the State should pay for it,” ignoring regional competences and precedents in other communities.
The initiative, defended by MP Marcos Bergaz, requested the reinforcement and expansion of school sports programmes targeted at students aged between 6 and 16 years, promoting inclusive, equitable, and accessible sports practice, prioritising participation and well-being over competitiveness.
In this regard, the proposal included the creation of a “Sport Voucher,” valued at two hundred euros, aimed at children and young people between 6 and 16 years old who were federated in a sports discipline or enrolled in a sports programme recognised by the regional government.
Bergaz explained that this voucher would be intended for acquiring sports equipment or participating in sports activities, constituting a financial support measure for families whose income does not exceed the established threshold, taking as reference the Public Indicator of Multiple Effect Income (IPREM), to help cover some of the costs associated with regulated sports practice in the archipelago.
It was also proposed that the Sport Voucher guarantee specific accessibility measures to facilitate participation for children with functional diversity, removing physical, economic, and social barriers, as well as establishing agreements with local businesses to join the sports voucher programme, thus promoting local commerce.
Additionally, the initiative included the development of awareness and dissemination campaigns regarding the benefits of sport on the physical, mental, and social health of children and adolescents, encouraging regular practice as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Finally, the aim was to establish evaluation and monitoring mechanisms for the programmes and aid promoted, to ensure their effectiveness, improve their coverage, and ensure they reach families and communities with the greatest needs.
Specifically, each beneficiary would receive a single voucher, worth up to 200 euros, which would be applied as an 80% discount on the price of sports products or services purchased at establishments participating in the programme, duly identified with the official badge.
The system would be implemented through a mobile application to manage the voucher easily. The amount would be deducted based on the value of each purchase or service, and could be used at one or more participating sports entities or shops until the available balance is exhausted. This voucher could be allocated to both the purchase of sports equipment and attendance at organised activities.
This programme would provide a significant discount for the acquisition of sports products and services, thereby facilitating access for more families to these opportunities and promoting an active and healthy lifestyle among young people.
Bergaz emphasised that it is “social justice” to enable this voucher linked to the economic capacity of families, to help them ensure their children have access to a basic good that generates opportunities and happiness, such as sport.
