Football among ethnicities heats up the sports program of the cultural festival and Xingu games in Altamira
Activities warm up the schedule for the official opening this Thursday; the event is supported by the State Government and partnered with the Secretary of Indigenous Peoples of Pará
Even before the official opening ceremony, scheduled for this Thursday (17), the sports activities of the Xingu Indigenous Culture and Games Festival have already begun to move Altamira. On this Wednesday (16), indigenous people from various ethnicities occupied the Municipal Stadium "O Bandeirão" for a series of friendly matches in men's and women's football, warming up the sports program of the event.
With support from the State Government and partnership with the Secretary of Indigenous Peoples (SEPI), the festival brings together over 900 indigenous people from 14 ethnicities, who, in addition to celebrating their cultures and rituals, also share sports experiences. Football, in this context, stands out as a daily practice in the villages and a symbol of coexistence and community.
“Football is part of the daily life of many young men and women indigenous and strengthens the spirit of teamwork, leadership, and respect. Seeing our peoples bringing their talents to the Xingu Games with such vibrant matches shows that sport and culture walk together in the territories as well. For us, indigenous peoples, celebrating is part of our identity and in the territory we chaamaa, chaamaa that the relatives come!’ whether in culture or in sport,” said Puyr Tembé, Secretary of State for Indigenous Peoples of Pará.
Field and culture
The matches on this Wednesday involved representatives from the Arara, Juruna, Kayapó, Xipaya, Asurini, Parakanã, Xikrin, Araweté ethnicities and other invited ones. The delegations gathered athletes, leaders, youth, and elders who followed the games with enthusiasm and a spirit of celebration.
“We have been playing ball in the village since we were little. It’s not just fun, it’s unity, it’s courage, it’s also the strength of women. Being here, playing with other ethnicities, shows that we can occupy all spaces, with respect for our culture and our way of living,” said Tainá Xikrin, an indigenous player participating in the Xingu Games Festival.
The sports program continues throughout the week with traditional and contemporary modalities, such as:
• Field football (men's and women's)
• Log race
• Relay race
• Swimming
• Canoeing
• Archery
• Javelin throw
• Free running
• Tug of war
• Indigenous couple parade
In addition to the sports competitions, the festival will also feature cultural presentations, rituals, dances, and shows.
The initiative also has the support of the state government and partnership with Sepi, Funai, Dsei Altamira, and various municipal secretariats and private institutions.
