Pelci Program promotes more than 15 thousand athletes in different sports in AM

grassroots sport

Launched by the Government of Amazonas, Pelci turns two years old, this Sunday (18)

Manaus (AM) – The Sports and Leisure Program in the Capital and Interior (Pelci) completes two years of foundation this Sunday (18). Launched by the Government of Amazonas in 2022, the program works to promote grassroots athletes to high performance in seven centers across the state and more than 15 sports.

“Pelci came to make history. For this purpose, Governor Wilson Lima is committed to ensuring that sport is promoted and that new talents are discovered and honed for the local and national sporting scene”, declared Jorge Oliveira, Secretary of State for Sports and Leisure (Sedel).

Initially the Program sought to serve 5 thousand athletes, with the expansion of centers and investments from the State Government, Pelci now works with over 15 thousand young people and children, in sports such as football, handball, basketball, volleyball, jiu-jitsu, athletics, wrestling, futsal, among others.

The program is divided into seven hubs, in the cities of Manaus, Tabatinga, São Gabriel da Cachoeira, Humaitá, Codajás, Envira and Fonte Boa. Integrated into Pelci are also the Footvolley in the Neighborhoods, Training Champions, Escolhinha in the Neighborhoods and Champions of the Village projects.

The year 2023 was marked by the expansion of Pelci’s sporting activities to the stadiums in the capital of Amazonas, Carlos Zamith, Ismael Benigno and Oswaldo Frota, benefiting communities from various areas of Manaus. “Pelci is a unique opportunity for us young people who dream of growing up in sport. I’m very happy in football”, declared Caio Gabriel, who currently plays for Nacional FC’s under-18 youth teams.

Female participation

Female participation has also been highlighted at Pelci. More than 1,100 female athletes are enrolled in field football and futsal classes, contributing to the rise of talents, such as Tayná Santos from São Gabriel da Cachoeira. The 20-year-old player, also revealed by Pelci, now plays professionally at the club JC de Itacoatiara.

“Pelci came into life as a bridge to believe that I could fulfill my dream, and start writing my story as a professional football player. I want to congratulate and thank the state government for creating Pelci, which has been giving opportunity and hope to all young people in Amazonas”, said Tayná Santos.

*With information from consultancy

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