Red-and-black athletes perform with young people from Inspara
The Paradesportiva Inspiration Institute welcomes people with disabilities to encourage the practice of Artistic Swimming.
By Romulo Paranhos - inThe athletes of the red-and-black artistic swimming team are engaged in projects that seek the inclusion of people with disabilities in the sport. Last Friday (29), SESC Pinheiros, in São Paulo, hosted the 3rd International Artistic Swimming Symposium for people with special needs. At the event, the Brazilian National Team, which includes eight athletes from Mais Querido, performed alongside athletes from the Paradesportiva Inspiration Institute (Inspara).
Inspara, located in Vila Guarani, Santos, has the mission of promoting health and self-esteem toward a society that respects diversity through artistic swimming for people with disabilities. In Brazil, it is the first organization created to encourage and promote the participation of these young people in the sport.
Giovana Stephan, an athlete from Mais Querido, shared what it was like to participate again in this event that promotes social inclusion.
"I have a lot of affection for Inspara. Renan Alcântara (a Flamengo athlete) and I discovered the institute in 2016, when they were just starting the project. We participated in the 2nd International Artistic Swimming Symposium for young people with disabilities and, since then, we've been following every step they've taken. This year was no different; we performed a performance that was highly praised for the beautiful choreography. Bringing a little joy to these people is priceless," said the athlete.
Giovana also spoke about the excitement of being able to contribute in some way to the project.
"It's very rewarding and moving to see the boys and girls practicing artistic swimming, which is a beautiful sport to watch. These young people convey to us affection, joy, and a lighthearted approach to life, showing how sport can improve people's quality of life," Giovana concluded.
Back in Rio de Janeiro, the athletes who make up the Brazilian National Team are preparing for the South American Championship in October. The club's artistic swimming team is training for the Brazilian Championships, which will take place from December 5th to 9th.
The artistic swimming teams of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo rely on resources from their sponsors – Banco Bonsucesso, Furnas, Estácio, LafargeHolcim/Cimento Mauá, EY – via the Federal Incentive Law/Ministry of Sports (IR), in addition to support from the Brazilian Confederation of Clubs (CBC) resulting from the decentralization of resources originating from the Pelé Law.