Athlete from Amazonas sells popsicle to raise money for national dispute

COLLECTION

The goal is to raise money to buy a round trip air ticket to Barueri

Manaus (AM) – With creativity and willpower, fighter Orlean Estevão Smith, 17 years old, sells popsicles to achieve his dream. Despite the lack of sponsorship, the fighter bought a Styrofoam box and went around the events held in the fight capital of Brazil selling popsicles. The goal is to raise money to buy round-trip airfare to Barueri, São Paulo, home of the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championship, a competition that takes place between the end of April and the beginning of May.

“Although Amazonas is known for forming champions, we have a lot of difficulty in the beginning of our careers. I’m running around selling these popsicles at events because I need to raise some money to buy a ticket to the Brazilian Nationals, which is my dream”, explained the athlete.

To travel to São Paulo, the investment is between R$ 3,000 and R$ 4,000 per athlete. The value takes into account round trip ticket, registration, accommodation and food. Each event Estevão works on can yield between R$100 and R$200 in profit, depending on the public circulating at the venue.

“I’m making an effort to raise as much as I can by selling popsicles at events, but I’m also open to accepting sponsorship from brands and support from anyone who can help”, emphasized the purple belt.

Inheritance in the fight

Estevão is the son of black belt Orlean Smith, leader of Kratos Top Team, a renowned academy in the North Zone of Manaus. The father gives full support to the heir of the fight.

“Estevão is a very good boy. He is obedient, disciplined, a good son and a good athlete. He is being a warrior selling popsicles at events and I fully support him, as do the gym staff”, said the professor.

Last Saturday (18), Estevão had his first fight as an adult during the 3rd North Zone Matched Jiu-Jitsu Gi and No Gi Challenge. He beat his opponent by points, making it clear that he will train even harder for the Brazilian.

“I am very happy with my performance in the challenge, which marked my debut in the Purple Adult. Now it’s up to me to keep preparing and training even harder for the Brazilian Nationals”, concluded the champion.

With advisory information*

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