Soccer, stars and presents at Santa Marta
by Priscila Marotti (text and pictures)
It’s a rainy Sunday, and the thin rain is not common to Rio de Janeiro. From the top of the Santa Marta community, all one could see was a gray shadow over the mountains and the statue of Christ the Redeemer. The chilled atmosphere did not last long, though. A voice echoed through the community’s speakers announcing a soccer match that was, let’s say…different. The players, all famous Brazilian TV/music stars: Eduardo Moscovis, Tony Garrido, Thierry Figueiras, Cadu Moliterno, Tiago Rodrigues, Nivola Siri and Carlos Bonow. The changing room: the Pacifier Police Division (UPP) unit. The pitch: the community’s own.
The stars, who arrived one at a time, had coffee and changed at the UPP unit. Their outfits, which were the typical soccer gear ― shirt, shorts, socks and cleats ― were complemented by Santa hats. Part of the community’s Christmas present came earlier this year ― besides playing the match, the stars were also going to distribute presents to the children.
“Is it really ok? No more armed drug dealers?” asked the actor Thierry Figueira to the UPP office.
“You can relax and play your match, everything is in peace”, answered calmly soldier Felipe Santana.
While part of the players were warming up and chatting inside the UPP unit, one of the most expected stars arrived by cable car. Du Moscovis insisted in arriving “Santa Marta style”.
“When I said I was coming up via the inclined plane, my producer immediately asked me if it wasn’t dangerous. I said everything was peaceful here. I chatted to the people who were with me on the cable car. I find it sensational that we have the possibility of exchanging experiences, cultures and realities with the people who live here”, he told us, whilst taking pictures and chatting to residents.
Pictures taken and warm up session completed, it was time for the presents. The famous “Santas” distributed toys and took pictures with their infant fans who, surrounded by Barbie dolls, miniature cars and board games, were having a party in the middle of the pitch even before the beginning of the match.
“As a carioca and a father of a six-month boy who worries about his child’s future, I am happy to take part in something like this, which supports this great project and stimulates the community. I think Santa Marta is a proof that this new model of policing is working; and I hope it works for many other communities”, said actor Carlos Bonow.
The teams were getting ready to come in. In one side of the pitch: Tony Garrido, Thierry Figueira and Du Moscovis. Cadu Moliterno, Nicola Siri, Thiago Rodrigues and Carlos Bronow formed the other team.
The match was narrated by the president of the Residents’’ Association, José Mario Hilário, who was also the judge. After a few fouls, some complaining and a few slips around the pitch, which was wet, no one was even noticing that the rain was starting to pour down. The crowd, who had started gathering at 10am, was only getting bigger. The clock was showing it was already 1pm. The final whistle blew. The match ended in a draw: 5 x 5.
The stars went home in a good mood and with a changed opinion about the community.
“It was a surprise. We go home knowing that there is a light at the end of tunnel”, sums up Thierry Figueira.
“I was born and raised in Europe, and I can say that problems with traffic and conflict exist anywhere in the world. I think projects like this are fundamental everywhere. Here in Brazil it is very important because it enables us to interact with the slums, and they have so much to show us”, praised the Italian actor Nicola Siri, whilst greeting residents after the match.
“The next attraction will be: Barack Obama!” joked Zé Mário, finishing the transmission of the match. Well, who knows…
