The municipal administration of São José do Rio Preto (SP) announced the interruption of sports initiation classes and activities intended for adult and elderly students. Furthermore, the granting of athlete aid for coaches and teachers has been suspended, affecting approximately 300 beneficiaries.
According to the Municipal Secretariat of Sports, this decision is provisional and was implemented to ensure budgetary compliance. There is an expectation that services will only resume in January 2027.
The halt will impact 291 individuals who receive the aid, encompassing athletes, instructors, and educators. The public authority reported that payments for these professionals were made in October of this year, totaling R$ 441,932.44. Individual benefit values range between R$ 200 and R$ 3.3 thousand, depending on the role performed and the workload dedicated to the activities.
As reported by TV TEM, the suspension will lead to the cessation of classes in modalities such as swimming, rhythmic gymnastics, artistic gymnastics, judo, and karate, as well as the operation of some equipment at the Children's City. These activities are expected to be interrupted starting November 1st.
About the Children's City
The report discovered that some of the professionals who received athlete aid were directly involved in operating certain rides available at the Children's City. However, the Secretariat of Sports clarified that the new determination will not compromise the operation of the Children's City, which will continue to operate from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 am to 5 pm.
When questioned by TV TEM about how activities on rides requiring labor to operate will be managed, the responsible department has not yet provided an answer.