- We know that this affects the whole country, but especially here in the northern counties where we have long distances and where public transport is not that well developed, says Anna Ottosson-Blixth.
According to representatives of the Swedish Sports Confederation's four northernmost districts, Norrbotten, Västerbotten, Jämtland-Härjedalen and Västernorrland, increased petrol and diesel prices affect both sports associations and individual members.
- We know that the cost is a threshold for many.
And when prices have now nearly doubled in a year, it will of course be very noticeable, says Anna Ottosson-Blixth.
Tough situation after the pandemic
During the pandemic, many sports associations had to reduce their activities and were thus financially affected.
Now many have restarted, but just like in the rest of society, associations notice how various overheads have increased.
- It's a torn sports movement that fought hard during the pandemic, so this will be a small blow again, says Anna Ottosson-Blixth and continues:
- If we look in southern Sweden, where electricity prices have increased, we already know that associations have had to close down operations.
Now I really hope we don't get there in terms of fuel costs up here, but the risk is there.
Want municipalities to act
The national sports federations in the four northernmost counties now believe that municipalities should step in and support the local sports associations.
According to Anna Ottosson-Blixth, it can both be about financial support, but also in the form of, for example, the possibility to rent transport cheaply or for municipalities to step in and support the operating costs of facilities.
But is it really the municipalities' responsibility?
- Yes, I actually think so.
It is an important part that we have good public health in the municipalities and there the associations are an important actor in that.