Last Wednesday (3), the young people from Colégio Estadual Jardim Marilice, in Corumbá, Nova Iguaçu, Baixada Fluminense, had an afternoon of learning and fun at Maracanã. The experience took place through the "Future of the Nation" project, an essay contest proposed to students between the ages of 14 and 17 from the public school system. Through the project, which has been carried out in schools and social institutions since 2022, the eight best written productions receive gifts from Flamengo, but all students participating in the contest receive a guided tour of Maracanã, led by the Educational Department of the Flamengo Museum, which tells the entire story of glories and triumphs of the temple of football. 

As part of the club's Social Responsibility education agenda, "Future of the Nation" aims to stimulate creativity and critical thinking by enabling students to reflect and express their ideas, thoughts, and experiences on paper.

"Today was a wonderful afternoon for some of our students! The 40 students whose essays were selected were invited by Flamengo for a guided tour of Maracanã. They visited the Maracanã Museum, the Grandstand, the Flamengo locker room, had access to the chairs and the edge of the field, and even used the players' bench seats. At the end of the visit, they received a snack and several Flamengo gifts. The eight students whose essays were selected by Flamengo also received more special gifts. In short, even those who aren't Flamengo fans had a great time! Our gratitude goes to Flamengo, especially to the player Arrascaeta and the former consul, Maria, who opened the doors of great possibilities for our school, Colégio Estadual Jardim Marilice – Brasil – Uruguay," said Neide, deputy director of the Brazil-Uruguay Intercultural School Jardim Marilice, which receives support from the Flamengo star.

Matheus Leonardo Soares Cyrilo, 17, a member of class 3002, added, "Many people wouldn't have this opportunity. Being here today is incredibly rewarding. A team that thinks about bringing people from public schools to be here, experiencing this moment, is truly incredible. I can only express my gratitude for the opportunity." 

With the theme "The Values ​​of Sport," students were encouraged to explore the transformative potential of sport and share their perspectives on the positive influence of these values ​​on life. Below are some excerpts from the winning essays:

"We young people need perspective, and sports help a lot, especially for low-income people, community residents, and people with physical disabilities, because sports include everyone without discrimination. Therefore, sports have a great influence on the future of the nation, as they bring great benefits and opportunities, especially for young people." - Luanny da Silva Mascarenhas, student in class 3002.

"Sports in the lives of today's youth is like love at first sight, a symbol of hope and a dream of achievement. Many young people today dream of becoming a professional player in that sport. And they pursue it to become a professional athlete in the sport they dedicate themselves to." - Eduarda Loureiro, student in class 1002.

"I've always had, in a way, a lot of contact with sports because of my father. Ever since I was little, almost every day when my father came home from work, he'd go up to the terrace of my house to do his training sessions, like at a gym. And also, about 20 years ago, my father was a taekwondo and Jiu-Jitsu fighter, becoming a black belt. Because of that, I've always felt influenced to learn this type of sport as well." - Leticia Fontoura dos Santos, student of the class of 2001.

"Since I was a child, I've been passionate about dance. I've been doing jazz for ten years and ballet for three. Last year, I switched to pointe shoes. I was always judged by people who said dance wasn't a worthy sport and pointed out other sports to me. However, with my 15-year-old mindset, I can see that I love dance and won't care about others' opinions because it brings many benefits to my health." - Jullya Lima de Oliveira, student in class 1001.