This Sunday (7), while Flamengo and Nova Iguaçu are competing for the Rio de Janeiro title on the field, 500 people from vulnerable backgrounds will have a unique opportunity to experience the excitement of a Flamengo game at Maracanã.

Many will step foot in the temple of football for the first time! This is the "Nação no Maraca" initiative, part of Flamengo's social inclusion agenda, which will bring groups of people with autism supported by APTEA – the Association of People with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Rubro-Negro Autistics – to the final. It's worth remembering that "Blue April" celebrates Autism Awareness Month.

Also present will be groups of homeless people assisted by the “Hotel Acolhedor” program, from the Centro and Catete regions, from the State Secretariat for Social Development and Human Rights of Rio de Janeiro, in addition to students from PEJA – Youth and Adult Education Program of CIEP Nação Rubro-Negra, in Gávea; from the Craques do Amanhã Social Project, from the São Gonçalo and Duque de Caxias units; from the Crescer e Viver Social Project, in Praça Onze; from the Ame Santo Amaro Project, in Glória; from the Tênis na Lagoa Social Project, in Lagoa and from CUFA – Central Única das Favelas.

The "Nação no Maraca" initiative has already benefited more than 12.000 people, including indigenous people, people serving socio-educational measures, refugees, people with disabilities, and those assisted by social institutions. By providing this unique experience, "Nação no Maraca" not only offers entertainment and leisure, but also promotes the breaking down of barriers, social inclusion, and the appreciation of vulnerable groups, often invisible to society. Maracanã, once associated only with sporting spectacles, becomes a space of welcome and equality.