Brazil

Tapera Stand Up Paddle

The TAPERA Stand Up Paddle Foundation project was born in 2018 thanks to a partnership between Floripa Stand Up Paddle, the Florianopolis Sports Secretariat and the "Bem Possível" Institute.

In Brazil's Tapera district, children in vulnerable situations are referred by the guardianship council, CRAS (social assistance reference center) and PAEFI (specialized protection and assistance service for families and individuals).

The Decathlon Florianópolis teams decided to set up a Foundation project in partnership with the Ben Possível Institute, to enable these children to get away from their daily routine, meet other young people, create social links through sport and share moments of conviviality. It also makes a sport that is usually expensive accessible.

Paddle courses have a positive impact on physical, psychological and emotional health. It's a great way to build self-esteem and community.

The Sports Secretariat provided the necessary funds for the salaries of the professionals involved. Floripa Stand Up Paddle provided all the necessary equipment: boards, paddles and life jackets. Finally, the "Ben Possível" Institute provides all the necessary professionals: a stand-up paddle teacher, a psychologist and a social worker.

The foundation project enabled the association to purchase wetsuits and life jackets for the children, 10 stand-up paddle boards, 20 socks, 30 pairs of neoprene shoes, 2 travel mats and outfits for the instructors.

To date, the project has involved 50 children aged 6 to 14, twice a week, in the morning and afternoon. Decathlon teams regularly visit the site to paddle with them.