Maripá and Maricá in Brazil boost community sports with new events and athlete aid

The municipality of Maripá hosted a stage of the Liga Cresol da Melhor Idade, featuring giant volleyball and peteca competitions at the recently renovated Pérola Independente gym. Municipal officials, including Secretary of Social Assistance, Women and the Elderly Ângela Schanoski, highlighted the event’s role in promoting health, friendship and quality of life for senior athletes.

In Maricá, the city opened applications for the Auxílio Atleta program, a municipal benefit that helps athletes cover travel, accommodation, meals, uniforms and registration fees for state, national and international competitions. Eligible participants must be residents for at least two years, be federated athletes and have no outstanding accounting issues. Sports Secretary Filipe Bittencourt said the aid supports talent development and can bring the city’s athletes to podiums worldwide.