Athletes are part of the Viva o Esporte project
The Futures stage of the Beach Volleyball World Tour, held in Maricá (RJ) last weekend, reserved a special moment for Brazilian sport. In a breathtaking match, the duo Emanuely Pereira Cardoso and Quemile Vieira de Souza, representing the city of Betim in Minas Gerais, won the bronze medal by beating Carol and Marcela, from Sesc Botafogo. They are part of the Viva o Esporte project, run by the Ramacrisna Institute in partnership with Betim City Hall.
Emanuely highlighted the path that led her to this moment: “Winning the World Cup is a mixture of feelings, a happiness that doesn’t fit in our chests. We ended the season in the best possible way, crowning a year’s work with a lot of dedication, struggle and challenges. I started my beach volleyball career in 2017, here in Betim. The Viva o Esporte project opened many doors for me and now the goal is even bigger: to reach the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. We’re reaping the rewards now, and the bronze medal at the World Championships is one more step along the way. “ she says.
For them, bronze at the World Championships is the crowning achievement of a season of dedication and resilience. “I’m very happy with this achievement at the end of our season, as it crowns all our efforts throughout the year. They were tough games, but that’s exactly how it is at world level. Our campaign in the competition was brilliant. I think overcoming and resilience define it. There’s more to come next year,” said Quemile.
The athletes’ victory is a reflection of the project’s transformative impact. For Solange Bottaro, vice-president of the Institute, the achievement is a source of pride. “To see Manu and Quemile shining on the World Circuit is a source of enormous pride for all of us. This is proof of the impact that social projects can have on transforming lives. They are examples of determination and talent. May this achievement inspire other young people in the program. “ he said.
Coach Giuliano Sucupira also praised the athletes’ efforts and learning: “Manu and Quemile have done a wonderful job this year! Even in the most difficult moments, when wear and tear tried to consume us, they had the strength to overcome and, together, become stronger. It has been a year of learning, which has involved renunciation, humility, partnership, dedication, discipline and, above all, resilience. Talent is essential, but without these elements you won’t get very far.”
The bronze medal won in Maricá consolidates Emanuely and Quemile as promising international beach volleyball players. More than a podium, the victory represents the power of sport as a tool for transformation and Betim’s ability to reveal talent that shines on the global stage. With their sights set on new challenges, such as the 2028 Olympics, the future of the Viva o Esporte athletes promises even more achievements.
