Argentina sports policy: Formosa celebrates therapeutic gyms as experts call for community club support

In Formosa, Argentina, the Therapeutic Gyms program celebrated its 26th anniversary. Mario Romay, the Secretary of Sports and Recreation, highlighted that the provincial government maintains this initiative through its own resources, contrasting it with what he described as the “total defunding” of sports at the national level. The program, originally promoted by Ibrahim Fonseca, currently operates 20 gyms across the province, including 15 in various interior localities, focusing on improving the quality of life and social integration for older adults.

Separately, political scientist Adriana Nofal and sports management specialists have raised concerns regarding the state of community sports clubs. Nofal, president of the Misión Deportiva Foundation, argued that strengthening social infrastructure and community clubs is essential for preventing juvenile delinquency and providing refuge during crises. She emphasized that the state should prioritize access to safe play, education, and health over punitive measures, noting that neighborhood clubs are currently facing critical operational costs and a lack of sustained state support.