Flamengo launched FlaBT this Thursday (28), a line of licensed products for beach tennis. The event took place at Arena Fla Gávea, a complex with four courts at the club's headquarters. The line includes personalized shirts, rackets, balls and caps. 

"The idea behind the launch is to provide a complete experience for Arena attendees and Flamengo fans across the country who practice the sport, offering materials with the colors and crest of the Most Beloved," said Rolf Hanel, partner at Arena Fla Gávea and FlaBT.

Passionate about the sport and the Rubro-Negro, Paula Pequeno, two-time Olympic volleyball champion for the Brazilian National Team, was present at the launch and spoke about what it was like to start dedicating herself to a new sport after retirement and about her competitive streak.

 "As soon as I finished my volleyball career, I learned that beach tennis was fascinating. I tried it, fell in love, and can't live without it. Today, it's part of my routine, and I train daily. It's great to compete, and when we step on the court, we have this natural desire to win, to show that our effort is worth it. I hope more and more people practice it, because it's a very democratic sport, and it also reduces the pain we feel throughout our lives," said the player. 

Paula also spoke about some similarities between the sport and beach volleyball, a fact that made adaptation easier.

"Some details about beach volleyball help, like the space, since the court is the same size. My height also helps a lot, especially when jumping to attack, gaining time and more power. And there's also the fishtail, which is a very characteristic volleyball move," commented the athlete, who concluded by emphasizing the importance of the support of clubs like Flamengo for the development of beach tennis and praising the FlaBT producers.

"It's very gratifying to see a sport like beach tennis, which is experiencing tremendous growth, have the support of clubs of this size, acting as a force for further professionalization, perhaps even becoming an Olympic sport. This support from Flamengo will serve as an example for other clubs to also open their doors and further promote the sport. And the products were great. Besides being perfect for the activity, they looked beautiful," he added. 

The products will be sold in Flamengo's official stores, authorized resellers and also on the website. flabt.com.br.