World Jiu-Jitsu Champion Andressa Santiago Thanks the Support of the Government of Pará
15-year-old athlete represented the state in the United States and is preparing for a new challenge with the support of Seel
At just 15 years old, the athlete from Pará, Andressa Santiago, was the world champion of the 2025 Pan Kids No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu and, on this Tuesday (28), she was at the headquarters of the State Secretariat for Sports and Leisure (Seel) in Belém to thank the support received from the Government of Pará to participate in the international competition. The tournament took place on October 19 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida (USA), bringing together young athletes from various nationalities.
Representing Pará in the Youth category 3, above 48 kg, Andressa won the world title with distinction and emotion.
“It was a very good experience! It was the second time I traveled to the United States with the support of the Government of Pará, through Seel. Representing Pará is a great pride for me. It was a lot of emotion and joy. I cried a lot when I won this medal because it means a lot, it is the realization of a dream. I thank God very much for the opportunity,” said the champion.
Next challenge: Open Recife
The young athlete is already preparing for another international competition: the Recife International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship, which will take place on November 1st and 2nd in the capital of Pernambuco.
“I am preparing for the Open Recife, which will be in Pernambuco. I travel this Wednesday with the support of Seel and I hope to bring another gold medal to our State,” added Andressa.
The tournament will be held at the Geraldão Gymnasium, located at Avenida Marechal Mascarenhas de Morais, 7787, Imbiribeira neighborhood, in Recife (PE). The competition is part of the official calendar of the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) and is organized by the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Confederation (CBJJ), marking an important moment for the sports scene in the Northeast, with athletes from all over Brazil and abroad.
Investment in sports and Pará talents
The support for Andressa Santiago is part of the state policy to value Pará athletes. Through Seel, the Government of Pará has already benefited more than 1,500 athletes with travel expenses, registrations, and accommodations for participation in national and international tournaments.
The program allows up to three support requests per year, with two for competitions in Brazil and one for abroad, ensuring that high-performance athletes have adequate conditions to represent the State with safety and competitiveness.
“The Government's investment in these athletes and in sports is an investment in the future. They are professionals who proudly carry the flag of Pará throughout Brazil and the world. Our commitment is to continue encouraging and valuing these talents that inspire generations,” highlighted the State Secretary for Sports and Leisure, Cássio Andrade.
