Brazilian Community Sports Drive Youth Engagement and Inclusion

In Brazil, community sports programs are fostering youth empowerment and social inclusion through diverse activities and competitive events. In Salvador, the Associação Beneficente Educação Arte e Cidadania (Abeac) is offering free sports classes to children and adolescents aged 7 and above. The program includes gymnastics classes for teens aged 16+, alongside capoeira, zumba, judô, and soccer school sessions, all hosted at Abeac’s Ribeira headquarters twice a week. Moreover, professional courses such as sewing and English are available to youth and adults, enhancing broader educational opportunities.

Meanwhile, Fortaleza is preparing to host a historic sports event—the first Social Inclusion Tournament for Amputee Athletes in futebol de travinha on January 25, 2026, at Parque Dom Aloísio Lorscheider. Endorsed by the Federação Cearense de Futebol de Travinha and the Confederação Brasileira de Futebol de Travinha, this tournament will feature 16 teams comprising amputee male and female athletes. Teatroing the distinct street football variant with smaller goals and teams, the event expects around 1,000 participants including players, officials, and spectators.

Both initiatives aim to promote social inclusion and provide opportunities for participation and personal development through sports. Abeac’s classes enable regular engagement and skills development for Salvador’s youth, while Fortaleza’s amputee football tournament showcases resilience and promotes visibility for para-athletes. These programs exemplify how sports serve as a vital tool for community building and empowerment in Brazil.