MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM – Medan Mayor Rico Waas has expressed full support for the planned Junior High School Futsal Tournament for the Mayor's Cup 2026 (Piala Wali Kota Medan 2026). The tournament is scheduled to take place in August 2026 and is expected to be professionally organized to contribute significantly to the development of student sports in Medan.
The support was conveyed during an audience with Potret Bisnis at the Medan City Hall on Jalan Sudirman, Wednesday (May 6, 2026).
Tournament Set for August 2026
Potret Bisnis representative Juli Rambe stated that futsal is one of the most popular extracurricular activities in public junior high schools across Medan. Nearly all of the city's approximately 45 state SMP schools already run futsal programs, although an official inter-school competition has yet to be established.
The Mayor's Cup Student Futsal Tournament 2026 is planned as a 10-day event in August, targeting participation from 32 schools, both public and private. Beyond competition, the event aims to strengthen students' enthusiasm for sports and encourage healthy sporting culture in schools.
STUDENTS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT: Mayor Rico Waas encourages student involvement in micro, small, and medium enterprises (UMKM) to strengthen entrepreneurial spirit. (PHOTO: Doc. Medan City Communication and Informatics Office)
Emphasis on Professional Organization and Educational Value
Rico Waas emphasized that the city government fully supports the initiative, provided it is executed professionally and delivers clear benefits to participants.
"You may use the Mayor's Cup name, but it must be organized professionally," he said, accompanied by officials from the Youth and Sports Office, Education and Culture Office, and the Cooperatives, SMEs, and Trade Office.
He also stressed that the tournament should go beyond competition alone and serve as a meaningful and motivating experience for students.
"It must deliver a message. Make the event enjoyable for the children," he added.
The Mayor further encouraged the introduction of certified achievement records that could be nationally recognized and used as additional qualifications for students transitioning to higher education levels.
Encouraging Entrepreneurship Through UMKM Engagement
Rico Waas also proposed involving students in micro, small, and medium enterprise (UMKM) activities to foster early entrepreneurial skills and creativity.
"If possible, the UMKM should also involve students. We need to develop an entrepreneurial mindset early," he said.
He concluded that successful implementation of the tournament would require collaboration among several municipal agencies, including the Education Office, Youth and Sports Office, and the Cooperatives and Trade Office, to ensure optimal execution and broad benefits for students. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Teguh Panjaitan | EDITOR: Fik Sagala