São José dos Pinhais chess circuit and Palotina futsal festival engage over 1,500 youths

São José dos Pinhais hosted the second stage of its School Chess Circuit on June 18‑19, 2026, attracting 1,456 students from 49 schools, most of them municipal. The event, part of the municipal PMAX program, emphasized inclusion, featuring participants with visual, auditory, and physical disabilities and providing sign‑language trained referees. Organizers highlighted chess as a tool for logical reasoning, concentration and social integration.

Palotina held an internal futsal festival on June 20, 2026, bringing together children and adolescents from local sports academies at the Ardomar Somensi municipal gym. The day included matches for various age groups, the presentation of training shirts, and activities aimed at fostering community spirit and encouraging continued participation in sport.

Both initiatives reflect Brazilian municipalities’ efforts to promote youth engagement, physical and cognitive development, and inclusive access to sport and games through public‑sector programs.