It is with great pride that I share the victories of the Jiu-Jitsu students from Cidade de Deus, who, led by professor Márcio de Deus, won 12 medals at the European Championship held in Portugal.
There were 5 golds, 3 silvers and 4 bronzes, highlighting not only the talent of our athletes, but also the power of sport as a tool for transformation.
Each medal symbolizes hours of dedication, willpower and the search for a better future, reflecting how Jiu-Jitsu becomes a path to overcoming daily challenges and opens doors to new opportunities.
Challenges that go beyond the mat
These young people face a challenging reality, where the obstacles go far beyond competitions. Growing up in a community marked by economic and social difficulties requires a resilience that few people can understand.
For many, Jiu-Jitsu is more than a sport: it is an outlet, a safe place where they find discipline, support and purpose. Winning on the mat, for them, also means winning in life.
This journey is not easy. Many of these young people have to overcome a lack of resources, stress and, often, prejudice.
However, this team has shown that unity, discipline and collective support can transform lives, enabling a more promising future for each of them.
Why I support social projects like this
Social projects like the one led by Márcio de Deus in Cidade de Deus have a profound impact, and that is why I support this initiative.
SEDA College has contributed as a partner, helping to provide resources that guarantee the training and participation of these young people in international competitions.
But my support goes beyond financial; it reflects my belief in the power of sport as a tool for inclusion and transformation.
I see Jiu-Jitsu as a way to offer these young people an alternative to the vulnerable environment in which they live, providing the possibility of living their dreams and building careers.
A transformation that goes beyond medals
Each medal is a symbol of individual achievement and, at the same time, of collective victory. What really motivates me to support this project is the legacy it leaves for future generations, showing that, with effort and dedication, it is possible to overcome adversity.
The victories of these young people at the European Championship are just the beginning of a greater transformation. They are proof of the power that sport has to shape character, build bonds and offer a future to those who are forgotten by society.
I will always support initiatives like this, because I believe that every young person deserves the chance to win, on and off the mat.
