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Richmond in Rio

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Nine Richmond players including Daniel Jackson and Jake King have enjoyed an eye opening post season trip to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  The aim of the trip was to explore the role that sport can play in social change and reconciliation in partnership with The Reconciliation Exchange project called ‘Changing the Score’ developed by RMIT University and Bluestone Edge.

The eight day trip was based in the ‘favelas’ the highly populated slums characterized by face high rates of crime and poverty in Rio de Janeiro.  Many of the players had no idea what to expect and were fairly apprehensive upon arriving. They soon discovered how sport can break down the language and cultural barriers with the people of the community.

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Richmond forward Matt Dea described how it was breaking through the language barriers and bonding with the kids of the favela’s with the help of a football.

“It was great to have a laugh with these kids that have got next to nothing, and to share a moment like that was quite special” Dea said.

“Although our Portuguese is far from great, sport breaks down all boundaries, and to be able to kick the soccer ball with the kids, and interact with them in that way, was completely uplifting and an amazing experience” Dea said.

A mix of established and emerging leaders were selected to go on the trip which provided opportunity for them to continually develop their leadership skills and step outside their comfort zone.  The experience was something defender Dylan Grimes had been looking forward to for six months, he was ready to immerse himself in the Brazilian culture.

“Playing football together, we spend quite a bit of time around each other, and this was something that really put us outside of our comfort zone” Grimes said.“It was a really big learning experience for us as players, and as people, but I’m sure were better off to have each other there for it”.

Defender Alex Rance noticed how quickly the kids adapted to the use of a Sherrin football rather than their traditional round soccer ball.

“Brazilians are mad about their sport – they have fantastic agility and skills and leap. They took to it with great Brazilian flair and it was fantastic to have them be part of it.”

It was a jam packed schedule for the eight days, players hosted AFL and soccer skills sessions and games, participated in health, well-being and self-esteem workshops.  They also visited cultural landmarks such as Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer and participating in traditional music and dancing with the community.

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