The basketball classes at the Sempre Flamengo Sports School had some very special days this past week (May 22-26.05). The boys, who play the sport and have been proud to wear the Sacred Mantle since they were little, welcomed a select group of guests during their classes: the FlaBasquete players. Captain Marcelinho, along with Marquinhos, Olivinha, JP Batista, Rafael Mineiro, Humberto, and Fischer, as well as coach José Neto and his assistant Rodrigo Carlos, were present at every class that week, taking turns sharing some of the group's experience and knowledge with the younger players.
Márcio Torres, basketball teacher at the Sempre Flamengo Sports School, commented on how the experience was very beneficial for the children and teenagers who learn the orange ball sport at Mais Querido.
"What really surprised me was how motivated the children were during the lessons with these stars present. They were more focused on performing an exercise with more refined technique, and when the players talked about tactics, they paid close attention and tried to do exactly what they were doing. I was very happy to see how great these children's ability to concentrate is, and I'm sure this will greatly help in the lessons from now on," explained the teacher.
The young red-and-blacks, besides having the surprise of having renowned professional players playing alongside them, had the opportunity to chat with the FlaBasquete stars at the end of each class. The students asked questions, had their doubts clarified, and even received tips from members of Orgulho da Nação.
You can check abaixo the photos of all the days in which Marcelinho, Marquinhos, Olivinha, JP Batista, Rafael Mineiro, Humberto, Fischer, Rodrigo Carlos and José Neto visited the basketball classes at the Sempre Flamengo Sports School.
Next week (May 29.05-June 02.06), it will be the turn of the Sports Schools of the red-and-black basketball social responsibility centers to welcome the stars of Pride of the Nation. FlaBasquete will visit the centers in Cachoeira de Macacú, Sampaio, Mangaratiba, Petrópolis, and Três Rios, as well as the DEGASE Center. The basketball schools, which serve underprivileged children from various regions of Rio de Janeiro, are part of a project developed in partnership with the State Secretariat of Sports, Recreation, and Youth.
The Flamengo Regatas basketball teams receive funding from their sponsors—AmBev, Rede D'or, IRB Brasil RE, CSN, Brasil Plural, and EY—via the Federal Incentive Law/Ministry of Sports (IR), as well as support from the Brazilian Club Committee (CBC) through the decentralization of funds from the Pelé Law. The Flamengo Guardian Angel Project, a personal tax transfer, benefits all Olympic sports of the club.