Botkyrka has gone ahead of the government and recognized e-sports as a sport - which enables associations to apply for grants on the same terms as the local floorball association or football club.
Lukas Hepokangas will be the first to start up an e-sports association in the municipality.
- It's about making the children feel seen, says Lukas Hepokangas, the e-sports association Konsolsport.
Computer games have become a class issue, according to the association.
A computer with equipment for e-sports costs upwards of SEK 30,000 – a lot of money for a family.
- Especially in an area like Botkyrka, says Lukas Hepokangas.
Will reduce gang recruitment
In Botkyrka municipality, the ambition is to attract children to positive leisure activities - and thus reduce the recruitment of children into the criminal networks in the area
- This is an important investment we are now making, says Robert Aslan (S), chairman of the culture and leisure committee in Botkyrka municipality.
See more in the video above.