South American Division

Inspired by the Olympic Games, Sporting Event in Brazil Attracts More Than 900 Students

With less than a month to go until the start of the Paris Olympic Games, the event aimed to promote health and sports participation in teens across the region.

July 8, 2024

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Isabella Anunciação, South American Division, and ANN Staff

Adventist Education promotes sports event for more than 900 students

(Photo: Karen Marques)

With less than a month to go until the start of the Paris Olympic Games, and with the aim of encouraging the practice of sports among teenagers, the Adventist Education Department of Baixada Fluminense and the West Zone of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil held the "Adventure Esportivo," (Sporty Adventure) an event that took place at the Miécimo da Silva Sports Center. With the participation of more than 900 students, the activity took place on July 1.

Women's teams participate in tournament

Photo: Karen Marques

Administration opens the games

Photo: Karen Marques

Fans watch games from the stands

Photo: Karen Marques

Table tennis was one of the six modalities of the championship

Photo: Karen Marques

Adventure Esportivo was born in the hearts of three Physical Education teachers, with the goal of promoting better health and an interest in sports among students. One of the teachers, Rafael Nascimento, says that the project encouraged him to be an example for his students. "For a long time, I suffered from obesity and, with the beginning of Adventure, I needed to be a physical mirror for my students. I motivate them, and they motivate me to take care of my health", he says.

Prof. Rafael on 01/20/23

Photo: personal archive

Prof. Rafael on 03/24/24

Photo: personal archive

The proposal was implemented in 2023 and brought together more than 500 students at the time. This year, the number has almost doubled. "The acceptance by the students was very high. We are very happy with the results achieved and to see our youth engaged in this project that does so much good for them," says Robledo Moraes, director of the Adventist Education Network in the region.

Ana Cristina plays volleyball on a pre-junior professional team and dreams of representing Brazil in the Olympics

The participants are students from Elementary School II and High School. In this edition, seven units were involved. Among the many talents present, student Ana Cristina Loureiro, 13, stands out. A volleyball player since she was 9, Ana Cristina already plays for a professional pre-junior team and was champion of the Baixada Games in 2023. Her dream is to represent Brazil in the Olympics. "I like playing volleyball because it is a team game and I always give my best. I really want to play in the Olympics one day. It would be a dream," she says.

Far Beyond Teaching

The competitions included sports such as soccer, volleyball, basketball, athletics, dodgeball (an introduction to handball), and table tennis, all divided into male and female categories according to their school grade. Students competed for first, second, and third-place medals, and the schools that accumulated the most medals were awarded gold, silver, and bronze trophies.

Winning a medal is a reward for all the effort and sacrifice, but the athlete must also be prepared to deal with challenges and negative results. Knowing how to applaud and recognize those who performed best is essential for the development of students' character, and this can also be considered a victory. "Without a doubt, the results of the games are not only reflected on the court. All of this can also be seen in the development of the individual and in their performance in the classroom," says Angélica Chaves, coordinator of the Adventist Education Network in the region.