São José do Rio Preto administration clarifies sports program status

The administration of São José do Rio Preto has issued conflicting statements regarding the future of municipal sports programs. Following an initial announcement by the Municipal Sports Secretariat that sports initiation classes and programs for adults and seniors would be suspended until January 2027 due to budget adjustments, Mayor Fábio Candido and Vice-Mayor Fábio Marcondes released a follow-up statement.

The second communication asserts that there will be no stoppage of municipal sports projects and that the city is working to ensure the continuity of classes for over 5,000 students. However, the administration has not yet provided specific details on how these activities will be maintained, nor has it clarified if the previous decision to suspend the 'Auxílio-Atleta' payments and dismiss certain professionals remains in effect.

The initial budget measure threatened to impact 291 beneficiaries of the athlete assistance program, which provides monthly payments ranging from R$ 200 to R$ 3.3 thousand to athletes, coaches, and teachers. Affected activities included swimming, rhythmic gymnastics, artistic gymnastics, judo, and karate.