Ten girls from Amazonas, living in peripheral neighborhoods of Manaus, embarked last Wednesday (7), heading to Monterrey, Mexico, to represent Brazil in an international Under-14 women’s Flag Football competition. The athletes represent the Voz Ativa Educational and Sports Association (AEVA) and went to the competition with all expenses paid by the National Football League (NFL).
Winning a place to participate in the international tournament took place on August 31st, in São Paulo, when the AEVA Amazonas team became undefeated champions.
The competition takes place next Saturday (10), and Brazil (AEVA) will face a bracket, with the following countries: Panama, Puerto Rico, Mexico and Canada.
Mexico is considered the favorite in the competition, according to Coach Filho, but the Brazilians will not be messing around, he guarantees:
“We know the high level of our opponents, but we didn’t come for a walk. We’re going to work hard. The title is what we’re looking for”, he highlights.
About AEVA e your athletes
Recognized as the largest student Flag Football movement in Brazil, AEVA goes far beyond the four lines. The person responsible for the NGO, Professor Girleno, highlights the social impact of the work carried out:
“We serve more than 3 thousand children in Manaus, Coari and Carauari in the Flag modality. Success is not only on the field, but also in behavior and good grades. The report from parents and teachers about the improvement of these children is, for us, the greatest award. And, as a bonus, sporting achievements fill us with pride. I thank the Federal Government for the Sports Incentive Law, the State Government through SEDEL and Mr. Célio, from Live Academia, who embraced the idea and has been supporting us.”
The athletes representing Brazil come from different schools where AEVA projects are developed, reinforcing the strong social nature of the initiative.
From the Elisa Bessa School, in Jorge Teixeira, athletes Hellen and Thalyta emerged. At Escola Recanto Interativo, Maria, Eva and Elayne became references for the project.
Escola Dom João, in Cidade Nova, revealed Sâmia. Rebeca, from Escola Jarlece Zaranza, in Mutirão, and, from Puraquequara, at Escola São Sebastião, come Raynara, Maria Pig and Maria Grande.
AEVA also advances off the field. The NGO maintains a dialogue with the State Department of Sports, aiming at the possibility of Flag Football becoming an official program of the Government of Amazonas, expanding its reach to the entire state.
