The government of Denmark has recently introduced a budget proposal aimed at strengthening street sports and sports programs for individuals with mental health vulnerabilities, with a substantial investment of 40 million Danish kroner (approximately $5.4 million USD). The objective is to support nonprofit organizations that are involved in these specific sports initiatives.
Street sports include activities such as skateboarding, scootering, breakdancing, as well as street table tennis and street handball. These sports appeal to groups who often do not participate in traditional organized sports, such as homeless individuals and those with mental health challenges.
Cultural Minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt emphasized the importance of organizations that work with this form of sport. “Many Danes are active in organized sports, but there are also those who do not feel included. Organizations like Game, Ombold, and Sports for the Mind (Idræt for Sindet) are making great efforts to include these people in the world of sports,” the minister stated in an interview with DR (Danish Broadcasting Corporation).
With the new budget proposal, ten million Danish kroner will be allocated annually over the next four years. These funds aim to provide financial stability for the organizations, which currently often have to seek grants and donations to carry out their activities.
Nonprofit organizations such as Game, Sports for the Mind (Idræt for Sindet), Ombold, Sports for Life (Sport for Livet), and Bridge Denmark (Broen Danmark) are among those expected to benefit from this new initiative. “I hope that in four years, many will have found new communities and experienced health improvements, which will positively impact their lives in general,” added Jakob Engel-Schmidt in his statement to DR.
This is not the first time street sports have received attention in Denmark. In 2022, the organization Game, which organizes street sports in public housing areas, was honored with the Crown Prince Couple’s Social Prize, demonstrating a sustained interest in promoting these valuable initiatives.