Brazil holds senior sports festivals in Fortaleza and São José dos Pinhais

The Arena Castelão in Fortaleza hosted the São João celebration of the FelizIdade project, drawing 400 senior participants from eight local centres. Organized by the state Sports Secretariat, the event featured traditional music, a quadrilha, typical foods and forró dancing. Project coordinator Hadriele Leite said the annual festival aims to improve health, quality of life and social integration for the 250 elderly involved.

In São José dos Pinhais, the municipal Sports and Leisure Secretariat held the Festival Esportivo da Pessoa Idosa (FEPI) at the Ginásio da Faxina, bringing together roughly 100 seniors from four neighbourhood centres. The day of integration and physical activity is part of the Maturidade Ativa programme, which promotes active ageing, social contact and mental well‑being. Secretary Rafael Siqueira da Silva emphasized that FEPI seeks to provide a safe, welcoming environment for older adults to enjoy sport and friendship.