- Most of the users of these sports practice aids are women, with a 58% representation compared to 42% of men
- By age, the majority of people receiving this pass are in the 19-35 age group, followed by those in the 36-50 age group
- Victims of gender-based violence and their descendants can also access this benefit
The City Council of València has granted 506 Social Sports passes to families in vulnerable situations over the past two years. Through the Municipal Sports Foundation, the City Council offers this assistance, at no cost to the beneficiaries, «with the aim of ensuring access to sports practice for the most vulnerable neighbors». «Thus, we continue to work to ensure that sports in this city are accessible to all people, regardless of their economic and social situation,» said the Councilor for Sports, Rocío Gil.
This municipal program considers both the holder of these benefits and the members of the household or family unit, up to the first degree of consanguinity, as beneficiaries. «This perspective allows us to work on sports accessibility from the most vulnerable family nuclei in the neighborhoods because we always insist from the government team that sports have great potential as a tool for social cohesion, as well as being vital to promote healthy habits in the community,» explained the councilor.
In this sense, it is worth noting that the majority of users of this pass are in the 19-35 age group, followed by those in the 36-50 age group. Similarly, the majority of female users of these aids represent 58% compared to 42% of men. «These figures also allow us to identify trends and study the real demand for this aid program, as well as the needs or habits of its users,» Rocío Gil explained.
The services included in the social pass are free use of the various weight rooms, free access to the baths, as well as sports practice on the athletics track. Additionally, special benefit activities are included, such as reduced rates for courses and rental of tennis, paddle tennis, fronton, and squash courts, as well as the possibility of participating in an activity at no cost in the courses.
Requirements for the pass
To justify the vulnerable situation, the interested person must present a copy of the registration or proof of effective residence at the Municipal Sports Facilities, along with other specific documentation according to each individual situation.
Depending on the situation to be proven, for example, it will be necessary to demonstrate that the applicant for the Social Sports pass is a beneficiary of the Valencian Income Support or the Minimum Vital Income, receives a minimum retirement or disability pension, or, in their case, an unemployment benefit.
Victims of gender-based violence and their descendants, through a conviction for gender-based violence, report from the Public Prosecutor’s Office, or report from specialized services, can also access this sports aid. In all cases presented, the pass will be valid as long as the previous social benefits are received.
