Olympics Legacy Project

In August, 2016 the whole world´s attention was focused on Rio de Janeiro City, the site of the Olympic Games. Fundação Gol de Letra took part in this historical moment. The institution, together with two international social organizations, contributed to the development of the Olympic Legacy Project, which gathered different cultures to discuss the Olympic values, sharing their knowledges and experiences regarding educational sports. The initiative was supported by Erasmus+, an interexchange program of the European Union.

Besides Gol de Letra, other NGO´s took part in the initiative:  Everything is Possible (UK) and Polgár Foundation (Hungary). The three organizations jointly developed several activities, during and after the Olympic Games, viewing the legacy of the youth education via sports, the exchange of experiences and the best practices of the three countries.

Representatives of Everything is Possible have been in Brazil to meet Gol de Letra´s coordinators and plan the activities. Besides that, a Hungarian volunteer came to the Foundation to know its work and take part in some activities.

In another interexchange program, two representatives of Gol de Letra went to England and took part in the European Voluntary Service(EVS), working in local organizations and educational centers focused on sports and citizenship. They spent 8 months in York, a town that is 320 km far from London, and experienced several challenges, novelties and adventures in their learning process.

The project´s highlight was the meeting in Rio de Janeiro in August during the Olympic Games. The group formed by 10 British, 10 Hungarians, and 10 Brazilians was accompanied by educators and by the project´s management team. They were hosted by Fundação Gol de Letra in Caju.The group took part in the integration activities, watched some games and visited some touristic sites.

Their staying lasted seven days and included activities such as: football, mini Olympic games,

cultural performances representing their countries, wall painting (Gol de Letra´s facilities), visit to the Olympic Complex to watch the competitions (swimming, basketball and judo), hiking in Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas´ region, picnic in Parque Lage, visit to Casa Britânica (British House) and to the Olympic Boulevard, sports practicing in Copacabana Beach, round table discussions, and so on. After the Olympic Games each group discussed the results of their fruitful experiences.

“I improved, interacted and communicated better after having this experience. I became familiar to new cultures and to the different ways of other countries. I noted the importance of a good dialogue to let things flow, I learned how to organize my day and be on time, and I realized that respecting the other person´s space is essential in convivence. I watched the Olympic Games and enjoyed the City´s party, the incredible sports competition (swimming, with the great swimmer Michael Phelps; Basketball, with Brazilian winners, and the water-polo, something new for me). This interexchange was, for sure, an experience I will remember for the rest of my life!”

Larissa Santana Aparecida, Young monitor of Programa Jogo Aberto SP

"In 2016 I took part in Gol de Letra´s interexchange program with two organizations, one from England and one from Hungary. Over one week, we had meeting at Fundação Gol de Letra, we watched the Olympic Games and we visited several places in Rio  de Janeiro. It was fun, a wonderful week! It´s always good to know about other cultures, other countries, and above all, to see the way other young people, like us, enjoy life. I learned a lot and I expect to take part in similar events, as it is always good to be with people from different countries.”

Matheus Alexandre Ferreira, 17 years of age, sports monitor in RJ

“This experience changed my life, I am now a better son, a better brother, a better citizen and a better dreamer! Professionally, it improved my communication skills, dealing with different people in different places, of different ages. Speaking another language was something new for me. I now dream of different things, I want to be more creative and to help more people. We can have a better life in Brazil. I love my country and will do my best to make it a better place.”

Victor de Lima Prudêncio, former participant of Fundação and a volunteer in the Interexchange and Olympic Legacy Project.

“Taking part in the interexchange program changed my life. I acquired more knowledge, I learned to respect the diversity and exercise the inclusion concerning any activity. The new friends will be unforgettable. We planned everything together, the activities, the leisure, etc. I want to thank Fundação Gol de Letra for the opportunity to take part in such a great and intense Program”.

João Jannine, young monitor of Programa Jogo Aberto SP

“Professionally, this experience gave me the opportunity to improve my English knowledge, and my skills to work with children. Personally, I learned about the British culture, about their manners and the respect they have for people. Being a EVS changes anyone´s life, the learning and experiences change the way to see the world. I thank every organization involved in this process, i.e.,Fundação Gol de Letra, Everything Is Possible, Manor School e i2i, for changing my life. ”

Douglas Oliveira, former participant of Fundação and a volunteer in the Interexchange and Olympic Legacy Project.