240 children and adolescents from two small towns in the interior of Minas Gerais, Ipaba and Pingo D’água, had 100% free futsal and volleyball lessons with specialized teachers for a year. With the objective of increasing the access of young people to sports and culture as an educational complement, the Olympic City Project took place throughout 2018 and changed the routine of the benefited children.

Ipaba and Pingo D’água were chosen for the performance of Cenibra, a pulp company, in these cities. The company is aware of the importance of actions like this in the communities, as it proposes relevant changes in a less favored context of society. The Olympic City transcended the courts, bringing benefits to the child’s life as a whole, such as improved mood, increased concentration and confidence gain, positively influencing school performance.

“The Olympic City Project made children and teenagers from Ipaba and Pingo D’água social protagonists through sport”, highlights Júlio César Lana Jaques, General Coordinator of the project.

In addition to the training activities, tournaments and exchanges were held with the aim of promoting the socialization of children. On the last day of the Olympic City, it couldn’t be different. Tournaments were held in each city to finish this cycle with right feet and hands.

This work was carried out by Ajudou.org, sponsored by Cenibra, through the Federal Law of Incentive to Sport and support from the Cenibra Institute and Municipal Governments.

See testimonials from some students of the Olympic City Project:

        “With  Cidade Olímpica, I learned to be more responsible with my schedules and to respect others, like my friends and teachers”.

 (Cassiane Malaquias de Souza Lopes – Volleyball student at Cidade Olímpica – Ipaba – MG)     

            “The project helped me to be more patient, understand and respect each person’s time. I started to accept my mistakes and be more of a companion, because within the game we are one.” (Thauane Vitoria Silva Reis – Volleyball student at Cidade Olímpica – Ipaba – MG)     

“I learned to have more discipline, respect and responsibility. “(Italo Luan Mendes de Oliveira – Futsal student at Cidade Olímpica – Ipaba – MG)                             

“I like the classes, because it is good for me and helps me at school.” –  Richarde Alves  – Futsal student at Cidade Olímpica – Ipaba – MG)