Svenska Spel

Svenska Spel makes advanced payment to grassroots sport scheme

Swedish gambling operator Svenska Spel has confirmed that it will make an advanced payment of SEK 20 million to its grassroots sports initiatives following a number of concerns over COVID-19.

Svenska Spel’s Gräsroten initiative has been running over seven years, and usually distributes funds to the grassroots initiatives in November of each year. The payment will now be divided into two dividends, with the first payment of SEK 20 million deducted from the regular payment in November.

“This is positive news. Many sports associations have lost revenue as a result of the Corona pandemic and youth sports need all the support they can get in this situation,” said Björn Eriksson, chairman of the Swedish Sports Federation.

In the down payment, football has received, SEK 11 million, followed by the hockey of SEK 3 million while handball has received almost SEK 1 million.

Patrik Hofbauer, CEO of Svenska Spel, commented: “We know that in many cases many associations are already turning and turning every krone, and during this social crisis, the economic situation becomes even tougher for sporting Swedes.

“Therefore, it was a matter of course for us, when we have the opportunity both technically and organizationally, to make an advance payment of the Grass Root. Of course, this does not solve all the problems, but we hope that the advance payment will help a bit along the way.”

Janne Andersson, a member of the national team, added: “It is a trying time for everyone and the Swedish football family is no exception. Svenska Spels Gräsroten has long been an important building block for youth football and I hope the advance payment can help make a small difference for Sweden’s football associations.”

“It is still important for children and young people to move, and this crisis really sheds light on the important social function of sport. The fact that Gräsroten is now making an advance payment will please many associations in Sweden,” concluded Johan Garpenlöv, the associate captain for Three Kronor.

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