Nova Iguaçu sports programs support autonomy for students with disabilities

Sports programs at the Vila Olímpica de Nova Iguaçu are providing increased autonomy and social interaction for students with disabilities. The initiative, offered for free by the Municipal Secretariat of Sport and Leisure of Nova Iguaçu, currently serves approximately 300 people with disabilities.

One participant, biologist Bruno Ferreira dos Prazeres, credits the program with helping him manage paranoid schizophrenia. After his diagnosis in 2017 forced him to pause his studies, engaging in athletics, hockey, and adapted tennis provided the motivation needed to complete his biology degree. He noted that the physical activity improved his sleep, energy levels, and reduced the frequency of his symptoms.