New in Gávea. Starting this month, CR Flamengo will take to the beaches with the new duo of Flamengo players Leila and Sandra Pires. The agreement between the players and Clube da Gávea was officialized at the end of this week by Flamengo's Vice President of Olympic Sports, Patrícia Amorim.

The red-and-black duo's debut will be in the first stage of the Banco do Brasil Beach Volleyball Circuit, scheduled for February 14, 15, 16 and 17, in Praia de Atlântida (RS). The competition will be held in 16 stages (14 open and four challengers).

Leila and Sandra will be coached by coach Letícia Amorim Pessoa. This will be the second time the players have teamed up to compete. Their drive, unity, perseverance, and love for the sport make the duo the club's new hope for medals.

Leila is a longtime favorite among Flamengo fans. From 1999 to 2001, she was part of one of the most complete and efficient indoor volleyball teams in Rio de Janeiro state: Flamengo.

At the time, the red-black team won the state championship title twice (1999/2000) and also had the powerhouses Virna and Jaqueline. In addition to the two-time championship, Leila secured the most important title in red-black volleyball, the Brazilian Women's Super League (2000/2001).

The duo's official presentation will be scheduled for next week, at the Gávea headquarters.

Photo: Alexandre Loureiro