The kids at Brazil 021 project at Morro do Borel / Publicity photo

Jiu-Jitsu black belts André Terêncio and Hannette Staack are the leaders of team Brazil o21 and GMAs of ours in Chicago, USA. Being the good teachers they are, they don’t just want to produce athletes; they want to leave a legacy for their pupils.

At Morro do Borel, an impoverished community in Rio de Janeiro’s North Zone, the couple put their efforts into a social project that is already bearing fruit. But like a good training session, it’s never easy.

“Though we have the support of some friends and the bus company Litoral, which kindly transports the kids to championships, we’re always short on donations and publicity to further strengthen the project. This year’s end, we’re going to throw a big Christmas party at the academy, and we want it to be worthy of the kids,” said André, who doubles as a referee.

The party will be held December 20, and besides the celebrations and banquet, each child will be given a kit comprising an academy T-shirt, school supplies, personal hygiene products and a photo from the event, with Santa Claus and everything.

To find out how to contribute or help out as a volunteer at the Brazil 021 project, visit the school Facebook page here.