FlaBasquete was represented by power forward Henrique Pilar on Monday morning (30) during a visit to a social project in Belo Horizonte together with Basquete Cearense and Vasco. The Querubins Association, an institution that serves around 230 children from the communities of Acaba Mundo and Aglomerado de Santa Luzia, opened its doors to welcome the athletes who are participating in the Avianca Cup in the capital of Minas Gerais. The host, Magda Coutinho, received a Mengão shirt from the player after Pilar talked to the children about the importance of sport and kicked a ball around with everyone.

 

"The project began 23 years ago, when I was walking through a square near my home and came across five children guarding a car in an abandoned park. I took the initiative to invite these children to save the park, and that's how the project was born. The children agreed, and a month later there were 50 children, two months later 100 children. Then I went to the community and asked permission to get a space and began the work. Four years later, I got this space today, which is 10 square meters. We offer sports workshops (basketball, soccer, jiu-jitsu, and capoeira), fine arts, visual arts, dance, theater, and music," explains Magda.

 

A Flamengo fan at heart, she also spoke about the importance of Flamengo's visit to the place.

 

"Today, welcoming Flamengo here is very important for us, and especially as a reference for these kids. They need this encouragement to appreciate the sport that can be so important in their lives. When they see an already established athlete, with a solid career, these young people begin to dream of being like them too. So I think Flamengo, which is my favorite team, is being very important. I just got a jersey and this one is mine! I won't give that one away (laughs)!" concludes the hostess.

 

The Querubins Association operates during after-school hours, Monday through Friday. Children receive two meals a day in addition to their classes during this period. The project is supported, among other partners, by the MRV Institute. To learn more, visit www.querubins.org.br.

The basketball teams of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo receive funding from their sponsors – Estácio, AmBev, Rede D'or, IRB Brasil RE, CSN, Brasil Plural, and EY – via the Federal Incentive Law/Ministry of Sports (IR) and the State Incentive Law/Rio de Janeiro State Secretariat of Sports, Recreation, and Youth (Seelje), in addition to support from the Brazilian Club Committee (CBC) resulting from the decentralization of resources generated by the Pelé Law. The Anjo da Guarda Rubro-Negro Project, a personal tax transfer, benefits all Olympic sports of the Most Beloved.