Tijuca Integration Games RJ

In 2016 Fundação Gol de Letra faced a challenge: expanding its methodology to reach other districts in Rio de Janeiro, going beyond Caju and Barreira do Vasco. A project designed with Adidas during the Rio Olympic Games gathered five communities of Greater Tijuca (Borel, Casa Branca, Salgueiro, Formiga and Indiana) to take part in the Tijuca Integration Games.

The objective was promoting educational sports  to integrate and articulate the communities, besides educating community players that already worked with sports or with local leaders to use sports and leisure as tools to strengthen and mobilize the communities.

The event had two formats: School Integration Games – involving regional governmental schools – and the Community Integration Games. There were capacitation meetings with local players and leaders, thus preparing them for the continuation and improvement of their work with sports and leisure in the region.

A total of 510 persons were present during sports activities (in the court, with martial fights, capoeira, games, plays, family integration actions, etc.) Tijuca Integration Games Festival received children and adolescents from 6 to 17 years of age, and adults from 18 to 59 years of age, during two week-ends.

The action developed by Fundação Gol de Letra in an unknown territory was a big challenge in the execution of this project, a process that counted on the articulation promoted by the community leaders and on the access to basic protection equipment.

The Project generated a big legacy to the communities, with capacitation actions involving sports, leisure, community communication and planning. The most important point was the articulation and integration of former rival areas.

“The first event of the partnership was very successful! Professional respect, communication and good behavior contributed to this success.”

Vera, deputy director.

“It was an incredible experience to me, I will never forget it. Other people will be visiting other communities for the first time, contributing to the integration of children, people, leaders, everybody united and working together to produce the event in Borel and Casa Branca”.

Maria do Socorro Oliveira, president of  Indiana Community Association.

“The event is very good, it made the children more united. I wish it continues to take place and  puts an end to the rivalry between the communities, as children as just children, and nothing else.”

Dailane Lopes de Lima, resident in Casa Branca Community.