UNS – Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta continues demonstrating its commitment to supporting sports and education development in Indonesia. The university’s involvement in organizing the Pra Popnas (Pre-National Student Sports Week) 2024 for Zones II and III, now officially opened, marks another milestone in UNS’s track record of contributions. This was conveyed by the Rector of UNS, Prof. Dr. Hartono, dr., M.Si., during his speech on Tuesday (12/11/2024).
Over the years, UNS has played a vital role in hosting various national and international sports events, including the 2022 ASEAN Para Games, the 2024 Peparnas (National Paralympic Week), and the 2024 Asian Schools Football (ASF) U-18 Competitions. For this year’s Pra Popnas, UNS aims to be part of the historical moment where the vibrant youth spirit meets a shared love for the nation. Prof. Hartono also expressed his hope that all participants would compete with sportsmanship and uphold fair play throughout the event.
“We are offering our full support by providing both infrastructure and human resources, particularly through the Faculty of Sports (FKOR) UNS, to enhance the development of the national sports ecosystem,” Prof. Hartono said.
He emphasized that this event symbolizes unity and togetherness. It is not only a chance for athletes to achieve their best but also a platform to strengthen bonds of brotherhood. Several sports competitions will take place at UNS venues, including badminton and boxing at FKOR UNS, football at UNS Stadium, and sepak takraw at UNS Sports Hall (GOR).
The opening ceremony of Pra Popnas 2024 Zones II and III was held at the G.P.H. Haryo Mataram Auditorium, UNS. The event was attended by notable figures, including Dr. Surono S.Pd., M.Pd., Deputy for Sports Performance Improvement at the Ministry of Youth and Sports (Kemenpora); Dr. M. Aziz Ariyanto, Assistant Deputy for Sports Achievement Development Centers (SPOP) Kemenpora; and other officials from Kemenpora. Also present were Dr. Bayu Rahadian, Secretary of the Indonesian National Student Sports Development Board (Bapopsi), along with other Bapopsi leaders; Dhoni Widianto, the Interim Mayor of Surakarta; and representatives from 14 provinces participating in Zones II and III.
“We warmly welcome you to Universitas Sebelas Maret. It is an honor to be a part of this prestigious event. Young athletes from across the country have gathered here to showcase their best skills and build a sense of unity,” Prof. Hartono told the guests.
Pra Popnas is more than just a sports competition; it is a platform for character building, promoting sportsmanship, and fostering the fighting spirit of young students. For Prof. Hartono, this event is a significant moment in nurturing the physical and mental well-being of the young generation. It serves as an opportunity to instill important values in the nation’s future leaders.
“I appreciate the hard work of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, as well as the Bapopsi leadership, for organizing this event with great dedication. The participation and collaboration of all parties, including coaches, officials, and supporters, are key to the success of this event. I am confident that with the young generation at the forefront, the future of Indonesian sports will shine on both national and international stages,” he added.
To the young athletes, this moment represents a golden opportunity to prove the results of their extensive training and preparation. Prof. Hartono encouraged them to compete with a spirit of sportsmanship and integrity, whether in victory or defeat. He highlighted that the experiences gained in this arena would serve as valuable lessons for their future, not only in sports but also in everyday life.
The Pra Popnas 2024 sports event aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG Number 3: Good Health and Well-being. Sports activities like Pra Popnas play a significant role in supporting the physical and mental health of young athletes. Engaging in sports enhances quality of life, reduces the risk of diseases, and improves overall health. Moreover, such programs contribute to improving the physical fitness of the younger generation, positively impacting their well-being.
In addition to SDG Number 3, the Pra Popnas 2024 event also aligns with SDG Number 4: Quality Education. Events like this are often integrated with educational athlete development programs. Many young athletes participating in Pra Popnas are simultaneously pursuing their academic education while honing their athletic skills. This supports the principle of holistic education, where learning encompasses both academic and non-academic skill development.
Humas UNS
