Last week, the children who practice judo in the "Jogaremos Juntos" social project, sponsored by Flamengo's Social Responsibility, had an unforgettable experience. They visited the club's headquarters in Gávea and trained alongside Flamengo judo instructors and athletes, experiencing a day filled with learning, discipline, and sportsmanship.

In total, 70 children from the Cantagalo and Queimados centers had the chance to practice judo under the guidance of high-level professionals, reinforcing the values ​​of the sport, such as respect, determination and teamwork.

At the dojo, the children were welcomed by Rodrigo Domiciano, coach of the Rubro-Negro judo under-13 and under-15 teams. He and the club's athletes shared their experiences and discussed the importance of dedication to progress in the sport. "Amidst so many negative influences, it's crucial for these children to have positive influences. Here, they can see that it's possible to reach a higher rank, pursue a black belt, and compete in important competitions, and this will change their lives," he said.

For many, the day was a unique opportunity to be inspired, dream big, and continue their sporting journey. "The kids came very excited. They've been talking about coming to Flamengo for a week. It's important for them to be here, in a different place, with so much infrastructure... It all makes them want to dedicate themselves more," said Professor Alves, who teaches judo at Jogaremos Juntos - Núcleo Queimados. Cantagalo resident Leda Maria Pereira de Macedo, mother of student Davi, added: "Children who live in communities need sports to keep them from getting carried away, and judo has already gotten my son back on track. He's disciplined now, he's a different child! Davi takes showers, goes to bed early... I'm very happy. I'm very grateful to have the project there," she praised.

With its own methodology, Jogaremos Juntos is an educational project through sports, based on socio-emotional skills. Through it, children and young people have the opportunity to develop self-awareness, resilience, empathy, focus, and other skills they learn through sports and apply to face and overcome life's challenges, whether at school, with family, or with friends.

In total, the project serves 800 children in six communities in Rio de Janeiro—Cantagalo Pavão, Pavãozinho, Complexo do Alemão, Vila Aliança, Morro do Banco, Santa Cruz, and Queimados—with soccer, judo, basketball, artistic gymnastics, and volleyball lessons. The project is supported by the Federal Sports Incentive Law and is sponsored by Shell.