15th WUC Futsal opens with Artistic Spectacle

ANAPOLIS – A beautiful spectacle that drew applauses and showed the peculiarities of the state of Goiás and Brazil marked the opening of the 15^th World University Futsal Championship – held on 2 July, in the International Gym Newton de Faria, in the city of Anápolis. A total of 22 delegations from 16 countries are participating in the tournament until 10 July. Some of the games will also take place in the city of Goiânia and the admission is free.

Each delegation paraded with the flag of their country, showing the cultural diversity that is meeting in Goiás. The State Secretary of Education, Culture and Sports, Raquel Teixeira summarized the event as an “opportunity to export the enthusiastic way of the people from Goiás, who are proud their state.”

With elements that refer to the origin of mankind and also to the futsal, the artistic presentation was signed by the choreographer of Quasar Dance Company, Henrique Rodovalho, showing the public the essences from Goiás. The dancers mixed traditional Goiás’ parties such as Procissão do Fogaréu, Cavalhadas and even catira with the sound of ‘Balada Goiana’, a song well-known in the state in the voice of Marcelo Barra and now sung by Maria Clara. In bare feet and dancing samba, the 16 year singer also sang ‘Aquarela do Brasil’, the famous Brazilian song from Ary Barroso.

The presentation talked about Brazil, but also simulated goals of each participating country and wowed the athletes in the stands. The show had the participation of 130 students from the state schools and 40 professional dancers, from the dance companies Giro 8 and Quasar. People came from far to watch the event and were delighted with what they saw. 

The opening ceremony also included the oath of the athletes, made by the star of the Brazilian women’s team, Amandinha. “On behalf of all the students, I promise that we will participate in this competition respecting the rules that govern it, with a true spirit of friendship and fair play. For the honor of our country and universities, and for the global progress of the university sport,” said the newly elected as best player in the world for the second consecutive year.

President of the championship’s Organizing Committee in Goiás, Lusimar Santos spoke about the joy in hosting an event of this size. “I wish everyone a great stay and participation,”he said to the delegations.

Fernando Parente, president of CISCA, gave a speech thanking the Organizing Committee members, the volunteers and CBDU for organizing and hosting the 15th World University Futsal Championship. “Thank you for your great job, Mr. Lusimar Santos, representing here the Organizing Committee, and to my dear friend and special person, Luciano Cabral, president of CBDU, who is doing a fantastic and important job in the development of university sports in Brazil and FISU”, said Fernando Parente. The president of CISCA left a message to the athletes. “Dear athletes, the official congrats. From now on, the championship is in your hands. Compete with your heart and in the possible best level. Respect your opponents and make this event unforgettable for every one. Even to only one will win the Championship, we shall all welcome the closing ceremony as friends and fair play with us. I wish you good luck and enjoy every minute here in the city of Goiania. And sure that you keep very good memories forever. Good luck for everyone!”

By declaring the games open, the Secretary Raquel Teixeira reinforced the desire to welcome and thanked everyone involved in the organization. “Take from Goiás the memory of a friendly state, which is proud to host this event,” she said.

After the ceremony, the Brazilian women’s faced Bolivia winning 12-1.

To find more about the championship, access wucfutsal2016.com or download the WUC Futsal app – released in Portuguese and English, with free download to Android and iOS devices. The live broadcast of all games is also being conducted via the championship’s fanpage on Facebook.

(Source: WUC Futsal OC)