Guardian Angel and CUIDAR together in the formation of the citizen athlete
Rubro-negro invests in sport as an important factor in human development
By Helena Petry - inThe Flamengo Regatta Club has nearly 800 athletes in its Gávea Olympic sports squad. From youth academy players to stars of the Brazilian National Teams in nine sports, the "Mais Querido" (The Most Beloved) supports the red-and-blacks in various social aspects, also focusing on citizenship development.
Launched in 2013, the Guardian Angel program raises funds for athletes, including scholarships, equipment, coaches' salaries, and commissions. With the support of the Federal and State Incentive Law, the Brazilian Club Committee, partner companies, and the Angel program itself, Flamengo also invests resources in the Unified Center for Identification and Development of Performance Athletes (CUIDAR), a Flamengo-based organization whose main objective is to enhance interdisciplinary sports, combining athlete training with work from various areas related to sports science that, working together, can complement each athlete's comprehensive development.
"Sport is an important factor in human development and, in Olympic sports, CUIDAR focuses on an educational program to improve sports performance by promoting the athlete's full health, preserving their physical and psychological integrity and developing cognitive, behavioral and social aspects, consequently, prolonging their career as an athlete, strengthening their character as a citizen and preparing them for life after their sports career," explained Izabel Miranda, Flamengo's Sports Science Manager.
Today, CUIDAR is the only access to prevention and checkups, through medical, psychological, physical, nutritional, and massage therapy, for the more than 60% of athletes who do not have health insurance. Studies conducted by the club also showed that, among the youth teams, approximately 45% live in areas considered at risk or vulnerable.
Through CUIDAR, athletes are exposed to other potential career paths, as the club aims to develop their careers not only during their active careers but also afterward, helping them enter the job market and providing more opportunities for careers that may completely transcend their competitive world. Flamengo players end up spending more time at the club, investing in training and developing relationships with athletes from other sports. Flamengo also offers more than 80 scholarships and English language courses to Flamengo's youth academy players.
CUIDAR regularly holds lectures and training sessions for athletes, parents, and professionals, seeking to educate them on sports-related topics such as balancing studies and training, doping, financial literacy, and other topics. It also covers topics specific to training areas such as physiotherapy, medicine, psychology, and sports nutrition. Flamengo invests in the individual as a whole, focusing on the development of athletes and citizens.