Pará secures a spot in the semifinals of men's and women's volleyball at the Caixa Youth Games
The teams from Pará continue strong in the national competition and increase their chances of medals with the support of the State Government
The men's and women's volleyball teams from Pará secured, this Tuesday (23), a spot in the semifinals of the Caixa Youth Games. The decisive matches will take place this Wednesday (24), in Brasília, with the support of the State Government, through the State Secretariat of Sports and Leisure (Seel).
The women's team defeated Tocantins by 2 sets to 0, finishing the group stage undefeated, with three victories. The men's team also overcame Roraima by 2 sets to 0 and ended the first phase with two wins and one loss, leading the group.
Semifinal matchups - The semifinals are scheduled for this Wednesday (24). The women's team will face Paraíba at 9:15 AM, at the Military Command Gymnasium of the Planalto – Vera Cruz. On the same day, at 5 PM, the men's team will take on Ceará at the Federal District Volleyball Federation Gymnasium.
Athlete Kayo Rafael, 17 years old, celebrated the qualification highlighting the team's effort. “First, I want to congratulate the team, I think everyone deserves it. We came here a bit discredited because we weren't training with the full team. So it's really a matter of overcoming, coming here, doing well, and reaching the semifinals. Now whatever comes is a battle,” he stated.
Coach Elinho Cunha emphasized the dedication of the athletes and the strength of both teams. “It was a tough match, especially in the second set, but the boys managed to overcome themselves and achieve victory. Now it's total focus for the semifinal. The women's team also had a great campaign, with 9 points and undefeated in the standings. We will seek the final with a lot of concentration,” he highlighted.
Performance of Pará
With both volleyball teams among the top four in the tournament, Pará increases its chances of winning medals. So far, the State has accumulated eight medals: one gold, one silver, and six bronze, occupying the 23rd position in the overall ranking.
The State Secretary of Sports and Leisure, Cássio Andrade, praised the delegation's performance and reinforced the government's commitment to grassroots sports. “We are happy with the brilliant participation of our delegation in this great competition that is the Youth Games. Regardless of the outcome, just being here is already a victory. Let’s stay strong, giving all support to these young people who are the future of national sports and who will certainly become good citizens, whether in sports or other areas of life,” said the secretary.
Other modalities
The competitions will continue until the 25th. Some modalities, such as judo, taekwondo, and badminton, have already completed their participation and returned to Belém. The men's and women's handball teams are still competing in matches that will determine the teams' status in the national division.
Medals from Pará at the Caixa Youth Games:
• Women's futsal: gold in the 3rd division, with promotion to the 2nd division;
• Women's basketball: bronze;
• Cycling: bronze in the women's sprint event;
• Wrestling: silver in individual Greco-Roman wrestling;
• Wrestling: two bronzes in teams (Greco-Roman and freestyle);
• Judo: two bronzes, with Ravi Botega (up to 55 kg) and Cláudio Santos (-90 kg).
