This past weekend was filled with excitement for the Minas Gerais delegation at the Brazilian School Games (JEBs), currently being held in Recife, Pernambuco. The JEBs is the largest sports-education competition in Brazil, organized by the Brazilian School Sports Confederation (CBDE). Around six thousand athletes from all over the country are participating in this year’s event, which concludes on October 3rd.
The Ramacrisna Institute, based in Betim, was part of the Minas Gerais judo team, represented by six athletes who brought home significant achievements. Ray Lucas Matos de Araújo was the first athlete from the delegation to reach the podium, earning a silver medal. Following his lead, Isabela Rodrigues Pereira also secured a silver medal for Minas. In addition, 12-year-old Nicoly dos Santos Pereira won a bronze medal, becoming the youngest member of the team to place among the top contenders.
The team’s coach, Caliton Silva, expressed his joy over the results. He described the experience as extraordinary, offering the students a unique opportunity to compete in a high-level environment, similar to the Olympic Games. “I am extremely proud of everyone. This competition was an incredible learning experience and a chance to overcome challenges. These are memories and experiences they will carry with them for life — and that’s the true power of sports,” he said.
Solange Bottaro, vice president of the Ramacrisna Institute, also celebrated the young athletes’ achievements. “These results are proof that sports are a powerful tool for transformation. Our students are reaping the rewards of their hard work and discipline. Judo, like the other sports offered by the Institute, not only improves physical health but also fosters the development of confidence, resilience, and the ability to face challenges,” she stated.
With a history of more than 90 medals in regional and national competitions, Ramacrisna’s judo team continues to stand out on the national stage. This success is made possible thanks to partners like Vale, which supports the project.
Recognition The talent and skill of Ramacrisna’s young judokas have brought even more significant recognition. Fourteen-year-old Ray Lucas de Araújo was selected for the Federal Government’s Bolsa Atleta program, while Nicoly dos Santos Pereira was chosen to receive the state-level Bolsa Atleta, further highlighting their potential.
The program provides financial incentives to support high-performance athletes, allowing them to fully commit to their training and competitions. At the state level, the program is managed by the State Department of Social Development (SEDESE), while at the federal level, it is overseen by the Ministry of Citizenship. Recipients receive financial aid—monthly at the federal level and bimonthly at the state level—which can be used for expenses such as transportation, food, accommodation, competition fees, and sports equipment.
Coach Caliton emphasized the impact of the scholarship on the athletes’ development. “For our athletes, the Bolsa Atleta represents much more than financial support. It is a recognition of the effort and dedication they show in every practice and competition. This support is essential for them to continue growing and reaching new heights in judo,” he explained.
