Maria Helena Braun

By Letter

Sports Journal

Maria Helena Braun mbraun@jsports.com.br

The end of 2007 couldn't have been more rewarding for Flamengo. The demonstration of strength, unity, loyalty, spirit, love, and passion displayed in the stadiums was crowned with an unexpected initiative: a nation of 35 million passionate fans was recognized as a Cultural Asset of the City of Rio. And that's truly what Flamengo fans represent.

We know that Vasco da Gama, Botafogo, Tricolor, and others, driven by rivalry and passion for their clubs, may not agree, but if we consider it from the perspective of a city's heritage, the honor is more than just. Or do you doubt that this fan base is a global attraction? That tourists from other parts of Brazil or the world want to see, experience, and feel firsthand the emotion that flows when the crowds gather at Maracanã? Would Maracanã itself, a Rio heritage site, be the same without Flamengo fans? That immensity of concrete takes on an indescribable value when the nation is present, with its flags, chants, and that energy. It's hair-raising. You have to see it up close to fully grasp what we try, but cannot describe with words.

The fans carried the team to the Libertadores, finished third, were awarded the best in the Brasileirão at the Municipal Stadium, and are now considered a Carioca Heritage site. And how wonderful it would be if this immense fan base realized that now, more than ever, as a symbol of a city, they need to set an example of politeness, civility, and courtesy, cultivate peace, and keep acts of violence out of the stadiums. The fans have adopted chants that are far more engaging than offensive ones. The time has come to definitively change this image of vandalism. Out with the vulgarity and in with the thrilling spectacle. Flamengo fans need to be in the news exactly as they are now: for their role, sometimes as supporting actors, sometimes even as protagonists of a team's campaign. I doubt Flamengo fans enjoy seeing headlines involving their fans in fights and riots. Therefore, as a city's calling card, the time has come to set a good example. Let's hope they understand the magnitude of this honor and the responsibility it represents. It's a title that, as far as I know, is unprecedented and an unforgettable Christmas gift.