Sports for and by young people

This public indoor 3x3 basketball location is the first of its kind in the Netherlands, though it offers space for other sports such as indoor football, martial arts and dance as well. The youths of the K-buurt can organize activities in the Paper Dome and take part in its management themselves if they wish to do so. Specific programs, such as girls-only sports timeslots and activities for young people with a physical or mental disability, will be organized as well.

Local government official Vayhishta Miskin (Sports & Youth Work): "The Paper Dome offers young people and children the opportunity to involve themselves in sports. But the program also offers them an opportunity to develop socially. I think that this is a very important combination. It makes young people aware of their own social skills and offers them the opportunity to become more resilient in society. This allows them to develop further in society with more strength.

Local government official Sofyan Mbarki (Sports & Exercise): "Sports is not only important for a healthy lifestyle, but also for personal growth and for strengthening communities. With the Paper Dome we offer young people in Zuidoost a place where they can not only exercise, but also meet each other, develop talents and contribute to the neighborhood."

Ambassador Worthy de Jong

The Paper Dome has a perfect ambassador in Worthy de Jong. The best 3x3 basketball player in the world is the embodiment of the 3X3 Unites motto 'from the streets to the top' with his life story. De Jong grew up in De Bijlmer and could always be found on the local ball courts. In 2024 he gave the Dutch 3x3 basketball players the Olympic title in Paris with his ‘golden shot’.

Worthy de Jong: “[This is] a fantastic opportunity for young people from the neighborhood to develop. I have proven that you can achieve the highest possible results, even when you’re from De Bijlmer. And if I can do it, others can too!" He wants to inspire young people to pursue their dreams and give something beautiful back to their neighborhood, on and off the field, whether it concerns 3x3 basketball, photography, music or making videos.