Social project sponsored by Vale, will benefit Ipatinga, Santana do Paraíso, Antônio Dias, Itabira and Nova Era for 12 months.

One of the principles of judo emphasizes the importance of training not only fighters, but also citizens who will act correctly in society. Providing a complete formation: physical, spiritual and moral. The ONG Ajudôu is based on the ideals of this sport and has been promoting social sports projects in various modalities since 1995, aiming at transforming the lives of children and adolescents.

According to a study by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), judo is one of the most educational modalities in the world, because, in addition to all the motor development that the practice provides, the sport enables the relationship healthy with other people, using the game and the fight as a dynamic integrator.

“The benefits of judo are numerous, because it promotes values of friendship, participation, mutual respect and the effort to improve. We notice the great acceptance of families when they have the opportunity to put their sons and daughters in judo classes, because the lessons learned reflect in their daily lives in a positive way”, affirms the Founder and Executive Director of Ajudôu, Júlio César Lana Jaques, who is also Judo black belt since 1991.

The name of the project was inspired by a legend, from Japanese tradition, which speaks of a willow and a cherry tree in winter. The branches of the cherry tree broke like matches under the weight of the snow, while the willow, flexible, gave way, causing the snow to slide and giving him no chance to press it. This is the principle of “Give in to Win”. 

In addition to sports classes, the Ceder Para Vencer 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. 

Registrations open for Ceder Para Vencer classes 

The Ceder Para Vencer Project, is sponsored by Vale, encouraged by the Federal Sports Incentive Law and support from the city halls of Ipatinga, Santana do Paraíso, Periquito, Itabira e Nova Era. 
Registration is open for 600 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 in September and will be held twice a week, always in the students’ school shift, lasting 1 hour. Check out the locations in each city:

• Ipatinga: GELPE e APAE;
• Antônio Dias: Mirandão Multisport Gym;
• Nova Era: Antônio Andrade Municipal School;
• Santana do Paraíso: Ipabinha;
• Itabira: Multisports Gymnasium Maestro Silvério Faustino.

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 Ceder para Vencer students attend classes with equality, regardless of the financial conditions of their 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 examples of 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.