Summer Camp Strengthens Social Inclusion Actions at ParáPaz Jurunas Unit
Free programs in sports, leisure, and reading served various age groups during the school break
The Social Inclusion Sports and Recreational Unit Espaços Abertos of the ParáPaz Foundation, located in the Jurunas neighborhood of Belém, held its second edition of the Summer Camp from July 1 to 15. The free initiative expanded the usual services of the unit, with activities aimed at children, youth, adults, and the elderly during the school vacation period.
With the aim of strengthening social inclusion and providing healthy leisure options, the program included gym classes, soccer, water aerobics, board games, table tennis, and reading. In total, there were 288 participants registered in the gym classes and 189 in soccer. The water aerobics was conducted in partnership with UsiPaz Jurunas, reinforcing the integration between the social facilities of the State Government.
Community Integration and Well-being
The camp served both regular class students and the general public, which helped to increase community access to the structure of the ParáPaz Foundation. For Rosinei Moreira, a participant for two years, the experience was positive: “These days were very good because I didn’t have the opportunity to travel, and here I could do physical activity and socialize with my friends. The teacher did very good exercises, like Pilates and stretching. All of this is entertainment that does us a lot of good.”
Young Deivid dos Santos also approved the initiative: “The project is good for all ages. There are classes for soccer, chess, and functional training. There are people who are doing nothing at home and end up being brought here by someone who has already participated and they stay. Those who couldn’t travel during the vacation came here. And in the end, everyone has fun.”
Promotion of Coexistence and Education through Sports
According to Carlos Valente, the unit coordinator, the proposal aimed to stimulate coexistence among different age groups and to publicize the actions carried out throughout the year. “It was a huge gain, both physically and emotionally. Children and adults got involved, interacted, practiced sports, laughed, and had fun. We ensured a safe space with educational and leisure activities for the entire community,” he emphasized.
Continuity of Activities
The expectation is that the Summer Camp will become a fixed part of the annual programming of the ParáPaz Foundation, intensifying activities especially during school breaks. Regular classes at the Jurunas Unit have already resumed at their usual times.
