Suriname has proven sports talent. Names like Anthony Nesty and Letitia Vriesde are international legends. Also in martial arts - with champions like Jairzinho Rozenstruik and Remy Burke - we show that Surinamese have exceptional physical qualities. Yet sports development in our country lags behind the potential that exists.
In team sports such as soccer, basketball and volleyball, we do not yet manage to achieve top international performances. This is not due to a lack of talent, but rather to a lack of structure. In neighborhoods where there is a lot of talent, there is insufficient guidance, infrastructure and support to develop that talent.
Another persistent problem is the politics within sports federations. Internal conflicts and managerial chaos prevent progress. Instead of working together for the greater good, personal interests and power take center stage. Until this changes, we will continue to stagnate.
We also see that certain sports are actually declining. Triathlon and open water swimming - once growing - have lost ground. The famous Swimming Marathon in the Suriname River, where 15 kilometers were once swum, no longer exists. This was a spectacular event with serious appeal. Sponsors Fernandes and Staatsolie played an important role in the organization at the time. Such sporting events deserve a revival, not only for the sport itself, but also because of their tourist potential.
That sports is alive and well in Suriname is evident every year on May 1 at the Telesur Walking and Fast Run, in which hundreds of people participate. Such events could be actively promoted as tourist attractions. Sports tourism is on the rise worldwide, and Suriname has the natural setting to participate in this. Think jungle trails, rivers, hiking trails and tropical sports festivals.
Taking the sports sector to the next level also requires investment in sports centers in neighborhoods. In the early morning hours, we already see people walking and jogging en masse in neighborhoods like Care and Hope and Mon Plaisir. The need is there - what is missing is professional support, vision and policy.
Education also plays a key role in this. Sports in schools must be taken seriously. Physical development is as important as cognitive growth. In doing so, let's learn from successful models from the region and beyond.
Finally, there is a role for business. Sport is not only a social investment; it can also add economic value. With the right approach, companies can contribute to the development of a healthier, stronger society as well as strengthen their brand through sponsorships, partnerships and sporting events.
Getting serious about sports in Suriname will also contribute to health care. it is better to keep the people in the country healthy dn to cure sick people. we can go on and on about the many benefits of prioritizing e development of all kinds of sports from mental health to crime fighting....
The message is clear: Suriname has what it takes to be a sports country. What we need is leadership, cooperation and vision. Let's not make sports an afterthought, but a national pride - and perhaps even an economic pillar.
