Minas Gerais school games begin microrregional stages in Ipatinga and Janaúba

The opening ceremony for the 2026 Jogos Escolares de Minas Gerais (JEMG) took place in Ipatinga on Monday, marking the start of the microrregional phase. More than 1,500 student‑athletes aged 12‑17 from 11 municipalities gathered to compete in volleyball, chess, futsal, handball and basketball, with events hosted at the 7 de Outubro Sports Center, Usipa and local schools.

In Janaúba, the microrregional stage attracted over 1,800 athletes from 17 municipalities. The competition determined the delegations that will advance to the Regional North stage, also to be held in Janaúba, with schools qualifying across basketball, futsal, handball, volleyball, and chess for both male and female categories.