By Edson Gomes Lima de Encarnacao | Finantial Director/ CFO
The Formando Campeões (Developing Champions) project, implemented by the Associação Esportiva Cultural e Educacional Abraço Campeão (Abraço Campeão Sports, Cultural and Educational Association), continued to promote the holistic development of children, adolescents, and young people from the Complexo do Alemão through sports, education, culture, and citizenship development. Free classes in Boxing, Muay Thai, Jiu-Jitsu and Capoeira were offered alongside personal development activities designed to strengthen socio-emotional skills.
Between February and June 2026, activities took place both at the Abraço Campeão headquarters and at Vera Saback Municipal School, further consolidating the partnership model with the public education system. This approach has expanded access to sports while strengthening relationships between the organization, the school, and participating families, creating opportunities to replicate this model in other schools throughout Complexo do Alemão.
Throughout the semester, participants attended weekly personal development sessions covering topics such as citizenship, life planning, conflict prevention, communication, leadership, ethics, and social responsibility. Meetings dedicated to girls and young women also continued, providing safe spaces for dialogue, empowerment, mutual support, and discussions on women's rights and leadership.
One of the highlights of the reporting period was the implementation of a Nonviolent Communication (NVC) training program, delivered in partnership with Peace Flow. The training strengthened the organization's capacity in dialogue, active listening, conflict mediation, and relationship building, contributing to a healthier organizational culture and improved support for beneficiaries.
In the sports area, athletes continued to participate in competitions and external events across different martial arts disciplines, representing Abraço Campeão while reinforcing values such as discipline, resilience, perseverance, and teamwork.
The semester also marked significant progress in institutional partnerships. Abraço Campeão welcomed national and international partners, including representatives from EMpower, who visited the organization to learn about its programs, engage with staff and beneficiaries, and strengthen future collaboration.
Another important milestone was the preparation of a youth delegation that participated in an international exchange program in France. This experience provided participants with opportunities for cultural exchange, leadership development, and international learning, broadening their perspectives and strengthening their engagement in social transformation initiatives.
Institutionally, the organization made significant progress toward the construction of its future headquarters. Technical project designs were completed, and the legal procedures required for municipal approval were initiated, representing an essential step toward beginning construction.
During the reporting period, Abraço Campeão also strengthened its institutional sustainability strategy by developing and submitting new project proposals, participating in funding opportunities, and expanding relationships with public and private partners. A major achievement was the organization's selection for the Co.Impacto 2026 Social Acceleration Program, which provides specialized mentoring and institutional capacity-building opportunities.
The organization also continued improving its internal monitoring, financial planning, and performance management systems, using tools that allow for more effective tracking of participant attendance, engagement, and program outcomes.
Key Achievements
Next Steps
During the second half of 2026, Abraço Campeão intends to expand its activities within the territory, strengthen citizenship and sustainability initiatives, organize the first edition of COP CPX, deepen strategic partnerships, advance fundraising efforts for the construction of its new headquarters, and increase the number of children, adolescents, and young people served by its programs.
The period from February to June 2026 reaffirmed Abraço Campeão's commitment to social transformation through sports, education, and active citizenship. Despite the challenges faced by civil society organizations, the institution continued creating opportunities for young people in Complexo do Alemão while strengthening its management, expanding partnerships, and increasing its capacity to generate lasting social impact within the community.
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