From the Paper Dome to the Sportive Throne Speech

29 September, 2026
From the Paper Dome to the Sportive Throne Speech
If the government wants to achieve its ambition of creating the ‘healthiest generation ever’, it must invest in places where young people can develop themselves, meet others and learn to become stronger in life. Sport provides such a place. That was the common thread running through the 2026 Sportive Throne Speech, which took place in The Hague on 15 September. Representing 3X3 Unites was 3X3 Leader Jaimy Jacott. He was there not only to listen, but also to take the stage and talk about what sport means to him.

The Sportive Throne Speech is organised every year by the Social Organisations in Sport (MOS), of which 3X3 Unites is also a member, in cooperation with the Municipality of The Hague. ‘By joining forces with like-minded organisations, we can make a stronger impact’, says Mark Schuurman, co-founder of 3X3 Unites, who was also present at the Sportive Throne Speech. ‘What was great was that young people themselves were given the stage to explain to policymakers what they need.’

Before that happened, the 2026 Sportive Throne Speech was read out by former kickboxer Remy Bonjasky. The three-time world champion also told the story of how he first came into contact with kickboxing at the age of seventeen, but did not have the money to pay for training. In return, he offered to mop and sweep the floor before and after every training session. He says he learned more there than just kicks and punches. The kickboxing gym became the place where he developed discipline, respect, self-confidence and perseverance.









‘I want every young person to have a place where they can discover who they are and who they can become. And sport can provide such a place’, said Bonjasky, whose son Cassius completed the 3X3 Unites Leader Course. He addressed all the organisations present in the room: ‘Don’t just make sure young people stay out of trouble; make sure they grow up strong. Sport is essential to that.’

That message closely matched the story of 3X3 Unites. Jaimy spoke about the power of accessible sports facilities, such as the Paper Dome, a sports hub for and by young people in Amsterdam Southeast. Here, young people literally hold the keys themselves. They decide on the programming, organise free activities and build their community.

This gives young people the opportunity to develop their talents and work towards a sustainable future. ‘I don’t know any other indoor sports hub that is as cool as the Paper Dome’, says Jaimy about the first indoor public 3x3 basketball facility in the Netherlands. ‘But young people can also come here for other sports activities and for their social and educational development.’




Jaimy recognised himself in Remy Bonjasky’s story. Not only because they both have Surinamese roots and grew up in Amsterdam Southeast, but also because sport was an outlet for him when he was going through a difficult period and dealing with stress. ‘Sport goes beyond exercise. That is why we use sport at 3X3 Unites as a tool to educate young people, help them take control of their lives and work on their life skills.’

When asked what needed to change, he did not have to think for long. ‘Sport should be free. Sport is not a privilege, but a basic need’, he said. ‘These days, renting a sports hall costs 120 euros for just two hours. That alone makes the Paper Dome such a unique location. All activities are free and the young people are responsible themselves. We show that we can organise it ourselves.’

Jaimy not only shared the story of 3X3 Unites, but also learned a lot from the stories of other social organisations in sport. ‘Hearing the other stories reminded me once again how important it is to give young people from the neighbourhood the space to show what they can do and to involve them in the entire process: from an idea to making it a reality’, says Jaimy. ‘It was a very enjoyable and educational day that once again highlighted the power of sport.’

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