Government of Pará holds the 8th stage of the Araguaia regional of the Open Games in Xinguara
Competition brings together more than 570 athletes from seven municipalities and runs until Sunday (21), with six sports in dispute
The Government of Pará, through the State Secretariat of Sports and Leisure (Seel), is promoting in Xinguara the 8th stage of the Araguaia regional of the Open Games of Pará (Joapa), the largest amateur sports competition in the State. The event brings together athletes from different municipalities and runs until this Sunday (21), when the champion of the Efficiency Trophy will be defined.
In this edition in Xinguara, 571 athletes from the municipalities of Xinguara, Sapucaia, Redenção, São Félix do Xingu, and Conceição do Araguaia are participating, in addition to Marabá and Parauapebas — which compete in modalities not held in the Carajás regional, such as beach soccer, handball, and table tennis. In total, six sports are in dispute: basketball, futsal, beach soccer, handball, volleyball, and table tennis.
The State Secretary of Sports and Leisure, Cássio Andrade, highlighted the importance of the initiative.
“The Open Games of Pará have as their main objective to democratize access to sports and strengthen ties between municipalities. Here in Xinguara, we are seeing hundreds of athletes representing their cities with dedication and talent, also boosting the local economy. The Joapa is inclusion, leisure, and opportunity, and the State Government will continue to expand this project in all regions of Pará,” he stated.
Protagonism of the athletes
Among the competitors, emotion also marks the games. Kananda Rocha, a handball player from Redenção, emphasized the experience of participating in the competition.
“It is an incredible experience to represent my city and play against teams from other regions. The Joapa is very important because it values amateur sports and gives visibility to athletes from the countryside, in addition to promoting unity among municipalities,” the athlete highlighted.
Next stages
The champions of each modality secure a spot to represent their municipalities in the state stage of the Joapa, scheduled for December in Belém.
Created to promote sports throughout Pará, the Joapa involves thousands of athletes throughout the year, promoting regional integration, revealing talents, and encouraging sports practice. In addition to moving the sports calendar, the event strengthens the role of sports as a tool for social inclusion and development in the State.
