Unlike many other sports stars, Martin Ringström did not choose to remain in the spotlight after his career. Instead, he went his own way by returning to where it all began for him – Kortedala in Gothenburg. The aim was to give children and young people in a district with challenges the same opportunity for sports that he himself had when he was growing up. – We open the doors and include. We don’t want the elite investing young people, but we want the people. Teach them how to behave, make friends and how to be in a community, says this year’s zealot Martin Ringström on Friday’s Nyhetsmorgon. Giving children hope Kortedala Basket is a non-profit association that wants to create camaraderie, security and a feeling of hope for children and young people. Something that, according to Martin Ringström, is important now. – We constantly want to show a brighter future than what we see on the news and out in society. Show them that there are opportunities, he says. He believes that part of their work involves the young people understanding that sport creates opportunities and exists for them. He also says that parents can cry out of gratitude that the child was given space in the association. – When we succeed, it gives goosebumps. You float among the clouds, he says and smiles. Sport should create security The decision to move back to Kortedala after his career came from Martin Ringström wanting to be part of society. He says that it is in the sports hall that opportunities are created due to clear rules and the same conditions for everyone. He also explains that the young people have a huge need for security, something the association works a lot with. – There is a lot of desire for results, you have to be seen and be something. The insecurity that they want to be someone before they themselves know who they are, he says. Despite the fact that it was Martin Ringström who was named this year’s zealot, he is careful to emphasize that there are more people to thank, and more associations that carry out similar activities. – I was honored to stand here, but it is the whole club and everyone who voted who is behind it, he says.
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