The idea was to throw an early Christmas party for the children undergoing treatment at INCA (National Cancer Institute). But it was Flamengo's basketball players who ended up receiving the biggest gifts. Visiting the institute on Wednesday morning (December 22.12), the six-time state champions distributed toys, baby clothes, and drawing books to the more than 80 children in the children's ward and couldn't hide their excitement as they brought many smiles to the faces of the young patients.

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 "The smiles of these children are the best Christmas present we could receive. This exchange of experiences and even hope is very important for all of us," said star Marcelinho, who made a point of bringing some toys to donate to the institute's toy library.

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For nearly two hours, players and coaching staff visited every ward, stopping frequently to chat with patients and answer requests for photos and autographs. The team made a point of bringing the trophy from their sixth state title, won last week, to show the children. They also donated an official jersey signed by all the players to be auctioned by INCA.

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"I'm sure this visit will be a huge boost for the entire team. A life lesson," said coach Paulo Chupeta.

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After the end of year celebrations, Flamengo returns to the court on January 7th, against Joinville, at 20 pm, at Tijuca Tênis Clube, for the NBB (Novo Basquete Brasil).