Várzea Grande holds first Open Volleyball event to boost sport and inclusion

On Saturday, 18 May, the municipal Secretariat of Education, Culture, Sport and Leisure in Várzea Grande organized the inaugural Open Volleyball tournament at the Júlio Domingos de Campos Sports Hall (Fiotão). The event, overseen by the Sports Superintendency, aimed to promote volleyball participation among children and to use sport as a tool for social inclusion, mental‑health support and future opportunities.

Physical‑education teacher João Victor da Silva explained that the tournament will start with small training groups that compete against each other, allowing the most promising players to join a consolidated team for school competitions. He highlighted volleyball’s emphasis on cooperation, noting that “no one plays alone; three touches are needed to build a play,” which teaches community values and mutual support.

Participants such as Ana Júlia, Giovana Beatriz Figueiredo Rodrigues, and young players like Maria Eduarda shared how the activities fostered skill development, friendships and confidence. Sports superintendent Edemilson Piranha reiterated the project's goal of expanding access to sport for the city’s youth.