Project: Formando Campeoes

The Forming Champions project is an initiative of the Abraço Campeão Educational Cultural and Sports Association. Its main objective is to provide a space to develop the potential of children and young people from the Complexo do Alemão communities through boxing and martial arts activities (Capoeira, Karate, Jiu-jitsu, Boxing, and Muay Thai classes are offered), combined with citizenship and alternative education. Using this methodology to develop activities with children and young people allows them to enhance their potential and is integrated with personal development classes, which allow them to broaden their knowledge horizons, develop their developmental capabilities, and develop their socio-emotional skills for different aspects of life. Classes are currently held at the project's headquarters.

During this period (January to October 2025), we continued sports activities at the Abraço Campeão headquarters and at the Vera Saback Municipal School. This model is increasingly consolidating, and we are in the process of establishing new partnerships to expand the reach and impact of Abraço Campeão's activities.

Beneficiaries continue to attend personal development classes once a week to discuss various topics, as well as meetings to discuss cross-cutting issues. We continue to hold meetings for girls and women every Monday to discuss various topics (these meetings are in-person, experts may be invited, visits to other institutions may be arranged, etc.).

From April to October 2025, we saw a large number of new students enrolling.

Achievements during the period:
- Capoeira circle for the community.
- Jiu-Jitsu belt exchange exam
- Muay Thai belt exchange exam

During this period, the Muay Thai team participated in the Brazilian Muay Thai Championship, winning six gold medals and one silver medal.

Three athletes participated in the national boxing championship, winning two gold medals and one bronze medal. The gold medalist was invited to and will participate in the 2026 Youth Olympic Games. This preparation program could lead her to the Olympics.

In short, Abraço Campeão continues its work with the goal of transforming the lives of children and young people while also working with high-performance athletes. GlobalGiving was and is fundamental in this process of developing champions at Abraço Campeão, and we hope to maintain this partnership to keep this flame burning.

We are currently focused on the fundraising process for the construction of the new Champion's Embrace Headquarters. The goal is to create a space of excellence to produce champions in all spheres of development.

We continue to strive to reduce inequalities in terms of opportunities and starting points.

Links:

• site do Abraco campeao
• Plataforma de doacao Doare
• Campanha Big Bloco Brasil

The Formando Campeões project is an initiative of the Abraço Campeão Cultural and Educational Sports Association, whose main objective is to provide a space to develop the potential of children and young people from the communities of Complexo do Alemão through Boxing and Martial Arts activities (Capoeira, Karate, Jiu-jitsu, Boxing and Muay Thai classes are offered) combined with citizenship and alternative education. The use of this method to develop activities with children and young people enables them to increase their potential and is integrated with personal development classes, which allow them to broaden their horizons of knowledge, their development capabilities and their socio-emotional skills for different aspects of life. Classes are currently held at the project headquarters.

During this period (January to May 2025) we will continue to carry out sports activities at the Abraço Campeão headquarters and at the Vera Saback Municipal School. This model is becoming increasingly consolidated and we are currently in the process of establishing a partnership with Escola Mourão Filho to begin activities in the second half of the year, expanding the reach and impact of Abraço Campeão activities.

Beneficiaries continue to have personal development classes once a week to discuss various topics, in addition to meetings to discuss cross-cutting themes. We continue to hold meetings for girls and women every Monday to discuss various topics (these meetings are in person, experts may be invited, visits to other institutions may be made, etc.).

At the beginning of the year, we began re-enrolling students and enrolling new students.

We are currently serving 498 beneficiaries in the following disciplines: Boxing, Muay Thai, Capoeira and Jiu-Jitsu. It is important to note that all beneficiaries participate in a Citizenship and Personal Development class once a week and participate in social interviews. In addition to the direct beneficiaries, the families also go through interviews with the Social Worker, as this is where we analyze the profile of the families and organize the support network when necessary.

During this period, we had some highlights:

- Capoeira Circle at the Abraço Campeão Headquarters in an exchange format with other organizations. There was massive participation from the community. It was a special event that served to attract new students.

- Jiu-Jitsu Graduation Event. 30 Jiu-Jitsu students completed another stage of their graduation and we held an event to exchange belts and receive certificates. With participants from the Federation, guardians and the community.

- We also had an event to distribute Easter eggs to children on the day that Easter is celebrated in Brazil. 750 Easter eggs were distributed to children who participate in activities at the Abraço Campeão Headquarters and at the Vera Saback School.

The highlight of this period was that Leader Alan Duarte received the Youth Champions award in New York, granted by the Empower The Emerging Organization.

The ceremony recognized leaders who promote significant changes in the lives of children and young people in vulnerable territories.

Next steps:

Continuity in the campaign for the 10th anniversary of Abraço Campeão.

This campaign focuses on raising funds for the construction of the Abraço Campeão Headquarters as envisioned.

Continuity of the partnership with GlobalGiving
Institutional Development for greater quality
Diversify fundraising
Attract more and more funders who believe in our cause, mainly through the GlobalGiving platform.

In short, the project is an inspiring example of how sports can be a powerful vehicle for youth development, social inclusion and the construction of a stronger and more resilient community. The dedication of the organizing team, the support of the community, and the enthusiasm of the students are fundamental to the lasting impact the project will have on their lives.

Links:

• Site Abraco Campeao
• Instagram do Abraco Campeao
• Reportagem sobre premio em NY