Betim’s Intellectual Futsal Team Won the Southeast Regional Games and Qualified for the International Round in Santiago, Chile

The Intellectual Futsal team from the “Viva o Esporte” project, organized by the Ramacrisna Institute in partnership with the Betim City Government, won the Special Olympics Southeast Regional Games, qualifying for the international stage of the competition, which will be held in Santiago, Chile, in 2027.

One of the most thrilling moments of the competition came in the semifinal against Brasília. After a closely contested match, the outcome came down to a penalty shootout. In the shootout, the Betim athletes demonstrated talent and precision, defeating the Brasília team 5–3 and advancing to the grand final against Rio de Janeiro.

During the decisive match against the Rio de Janeiro team, the Minas Gerais squad prevailed and secured the victory that guaranteed not only the regional title but also a spot in the international competition.

For Nilson Amaral, technical coordinator at the Ramacrisna Institute, the team’s performance is the result of a journey marked by preparation, dedication, and the athletes’ growth. “It was a high-level competition, and our athletes demonstrated great maturity. The semifinal against Brasília was a very tense moment, especially during the penalty shootout, but they remained calm and confident in their pursuit of victory. In the final, they stayed focused and managed to achieve this very important result. Qualifying for Chile is a source of great pride for all of us and shows just how much these athletes have improved. Now a new phase of preparation begins, and we hope to represent Minas Gerais and Brazil at the World Championships,” says Nilson.

Special Olympics

Special Olympics promotes inclusion, independence, and new opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities through sports. The competitions are designed to highlight each athlete’s skills and potential, fostering not only athletic performance but also self-confidence, independence, and social participation.

The Betim team’s achievement takes on even greater significance within this framework. Qualifying for Santiago represents recognition of the work done on the courts and opens the door for the athletes to experience an international competition, bringing with them the experience they’ve built throughout their athletic careers.