#WhereIsFootball: The Cantagalo favela, Rio de Janeiro

“This past summer I spent a month in Rio de Janeiro participating in a study abroad program which focused on applied anthropology. Throughout those four weeks we visited a number of community centers located in various favelas throughout the city.

This particular photograph was taken in the Espaço Criança Esperança community center in the Cantagalo favela. This center provides kids in Cantagalo with a place to explore books, music, and art, as well as sports such as swimming, boxing, and futebol. Towards the end of our visit we stopped and watched these kids display some pretty impressive skills.

Unfortunately that’s the only photo I have, wish I had taken more. - Mary Allen"

Thanks for a healthy dose of perspective, Mary. I’m calling this the other, other side of 2014. These kids may not have much, they may be the ones the government is refusing to take care of ahead of the World Cup, but no one will be taking that ball away from their feet. In a poverty-stricken favela, this futsal court will try to support the dreams and the joy of the next Ronaldinho.

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