Mato Grosso school and student games launch in Canarana with over 1,100 athletes

From Friday, 12 June, the eighth regional stage of the 2026 Mato Grosso School and Student Games began in Canarana, bringing together more than 1 100 athletes, coaches and officials. The week‑long competition features 97 teams of students aged 12‑17 competing in basketball, handball, futsal and volleyball.

The events are organized by the State Secretariat of Culture, Sport and Leisure (Secel‑MT) in partnership with the host municipality. The School Games include 45 school teams (ages 12‑14), while the Student Games host 57 municipal selections (ages 15‑17), with both male and female squads representing municipalities such as Água Boa, Araguaiana, Barra do Garças and others. After a two‑week pause due to school scheduling, the games resume ahead of three other regional phases scheduled for late June in Sinop, Confresa and Colíder, whose winners will advance to the state championships in July.