Social Project sponsored by ArcelorMittal will benefit young people and teenagers, from 7 to 17 years old, for 12 months.

After 1 year and 7 months (since March 2020) with classes paralyzed in Dionísio and São José do Goiabal, due to the pandemic, the social sports project will return. The start of activities is scheduled for October 18 and will benefit 300 young people from 7 to 17 years old with the practice of judo, through the Ippon Social Project.

“The importance of sport in our lives is undeniable. There are countless benefits that are not limited to physical well-being and that have a positive impact over time, positively impacting our present and our future. In addition, the project brought parents closer to the school, drew attention to the school performance of the participating children. In this moment of great uncertainty, the ONG Ajudôu was a great point of positivity that changed the lives of several children for the better.”, says Dionisio’s Secretary of Education, Maria da Assunção Vieira Araújo.

Sports practice is essential for the healthy growth of children and adolescents. Through it, physical, motor, social and psychic abilities are developed and generate results for a lifetime. However, the reality in the country, in relation to sport, is far from ideal. According to studies by the World Health Organization (WHO), in Brazil, 84% of children and adolescents aged 11 to 17 years do not perform enough physical activity.

The lack of access to sports may be a factor that adds to the number, given that low-income young people may not be introduced to sports due to family financial reasons. And it is for this reason that the ONG Ajudôu created, among many sports projects, the Ippon Social which, through the free practice of judo classes, aims at the inclusion of children and adolescents in society.

“The Ippon Social Project carried out in the municipalities of Dionísio and São José do Goiabal has already become a tradition. Hundreds of children of different age groups participate and have participated in other cycles. The Project is only possible thanks to the support of ArcelorMittal and the public-private partnerships between Ajudôu and the municipalities of the two cities. Long-lasting partnerships like these bring many benefits to the entire population, not only in terms of sports but also socially”, says the coordinator of the Ippon Social Project, Dalton Pinheiro.

In addition to sports classes, the Ippon Social Project will bring a series of benefits to the municipalities, such as: strengthening the sense of community among students, increasing the social circle and learning about volunteering. Therefore, the development of social sports projects across the country are of paramount importance, because when young people have contact with the concepts and virtues of Ajudôu, they have the possibility to form their character and have a different future, contrary to what they would have if you were on the streets.

“As a mother, I just have to thank you! The sport is very good for health, and judo has rules that help a lot in the education of our little ones. home, respect for others, something that we have to work hard in the face of the society we are living in. Every day, when I said that there was a class, my daughter was excited, took her purse and left happy! I am very grateful for the time she participated I hope he comes back to the city soon!”, says Keliane Aparecida, mother of Ana Vitória, student of Ajudôu in the year 2018-2019.

Registrations open for Ippon Social classes

The Ippon Social Project is sponsored by ArcelorMittal, through the Minas Gerais State Sports Incentive Law and support from the municipalities of Dionísio and São José do Goiabal. Registration is open for 300 children and adolescents (male and female), between 7 and 17 years old, to practice judo classes for 1 year.

Registration and class locations

Classes will start on October 18 and will be held twice a week, always in the students’ school shift, lasting 1 hour. Check out the locations in each city:

• Dionísio: Dr. Gomes Municipal School (Street José Rosa Filho, Nº 46, Centro, Dionísio – MG).

• São José do Goiabal: E. M. Manoel Lucio de Morais (Street Dr. Mateus Vasconcelos, Nº 127, Pe Hermelindo, São José do Goiabal – MG).

Full uniforms for fighting

The student’s self-esteem is developed during all stages of the project. An example is the uniform kit that each one will receive, containing a brand new shirt, kimono and belt. The delivery of materials ensures that all Ippon Social students attend classes with equality, regardless of the financial conditions of the families.

Protocol for Resumption of Sports Activities at Ajudôu

To carry out the assistance, without putting children and teachers at risk, the Protocol for Resumption of Sports Activities at Ajudôu in the context of Covid-19. 

The Ajudôu manual aims to pass general health safety rules against Covid-19 according to the reality of each location, that is, sport classes will be adapted according to the Ajudôu guidelines, which can be revised. Below are some example guidelines:

• Minimum distance required during classes (1 student every 2 m²);
• All students must start and finish activities at the same time and leave in an orderly manner, without contact and crowding;
• End of classes 10 minutes before to avoid crowding with the class of the next class;

About Ajudôu

Ajudôu is a Non-Governmental Organization, recognized for its public utility at the municipal and state levels. It was founded in 1995, in Timóteo-MG, and has already served more than 30 thousand children and adolescents with free judo and other sports classes. Currently, Ajudôu is expanding its work to more than 40 cities in 4 different states.