In order to spot new talent, the Vale Foundation launched the Brazil Going for Gold program, which is designed to select and prepare athletes in judo, swimming and athletics in the Brazilian cities where Vale operates. The main goal is to help Brazil become an Olympic power and, in addition, leave future generations a legacy of systematized knowledge in sports training, sports science and the training of sports professionals.
The program operates within “knowledge stations” – human and economic development centers that are managed jointly by Vale, public authorities and civil society. The centers act to nurture social networks to spur local development in the regions where the company operates.
Knowledge stations are designed to benefit children and teenagers of 6 to 18 years of age by providing them with a range of activities relating to sport, culture and professional education. The intention is to develop their physical, intellectual and emotional potential. Approximately 30,000 young people will benefit from 18 centers to be built by 2012 in the states of Maranhão, Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, Pará, Sergipe and Rio de Janeiro.
Center of Excellence
The Brazil Going for Gold program will have a National Center of Excellence, to be based at Deodoro Military Club in Rio de Janeiro. In partnership with the ministries of defense and sport, Vale will build a professional athletics track and two accommodation blocks able to lodge 100 athletes.
Click here to find out more about the National Center of Excellence