Sport in Brazil

A long-held national passion, Brazilian sport receives greater attention and investment in order to place its national programs on par with the most advanced countries in the world. The Brazilian State considers sport to be a strategic tool for both advancing social development and increasing international recognition.

Brazil’s candidacy and subsequent choice as host of the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games reflects this growing worldwide recognition. Strategically, the country

has made political efforts to advance high performance sports, especially those included in the Olympic program, in recognition that while medalwinning performances demonstrate physical mastery of a game, they also speak of an advanced, developed, and strong nation.

And while sport can be a tool for nation building, Brazil understands that it can also be a means for community building. Brazilian social programs employ sport to promote social inclusion for young people

at risk, improve the standard of living in the poorest communities, and enhance the level of sports education for Brazilian children.

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