International institutions
The School of Sport Studies not only participates in international networks , but is also actively involved with other organisations . A good example hereof is Stichting ISOP ( Internationale Studenten Ontwikkelings Projecten ). Founded in 2003 by ALO students in Groningen ISOP started out with creating sport and health projects in Costa Rica . Later projects were added in Nicaragua and Zambia as well .
The basic idea is to facilitate physical education at schools where this is not happening yet . By educating both staff and children the aim is to reach a large number of people . From that basic idea different projects arose . In Turrialba , Costa Rica , handicapped children experience sporting activities next to their regular school program , while in Zambia local trainers and coaches are supported by Dutch students in informing the players on the dangers of HIV and AIDS . ISOP offers internships in the Netherlands in managing the foundation and also abroad in cooperating in the different projects in South America and Africa .
Another organisation started by a Sport Studies student is Local Dreamers , which is also engaged in development . Local Dreamers is focussed on South America , in particular Ecuador . People often go to developing countries to help , Local Dreamers prefers to speak of contributing to local goals . Contributing to projects that would have been established even without Local Dreamers present , side by side with locals . Helping their dreams come true .
Born out of the passion for South America of a number of young idealists projects were set up to support the development in different parts of Ecuador , ranging from the capital Quito to the inland Amazon river to the Galapagos Islands in the Pacific Ocean . For instance Project Yasunà , taking place in the jungle . Local tribes are visited and the youth receive sport lessons , even English classes are given to educate potential guides in the area and sporting activities are organised to prevent the youth from grabbing the bottle , locally a major problem .
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