The population of Rio de Janeiro and the Brazilian Olympic sport community proved that solidarity deserves the high place on the podium. In just three days of campaign, the headquarters of the Brazilian Olympic Committee and Rio 2016 Organizing Committee received about six tons in donations to the victims of the flood that occurred on the region called Serrana, in the state of Rio de Janeiro.

On Wednesday 19th, a truck of the State Social Assistance and Human Rights Office was at the headquarters of the Brazilian Olympic Committee to collect four tons of donations. Some athletes and former athletes participated in the campaign, among them Nalbert Bittencourt and Bernard Rajzman (Volleyball), Adriana Behar (Beach Volley), Agberto Guimarães (Athletics), Paulinho Villas Boas (Basketball), Marina Canetti (Water Polo) and Jacqueline Godoy (Basketball). “This is a moment that the society and the sport community have to collaborate. As the Olympic movement says, solidarity is essential. And the sport cannot be absent in this moment. It’s a pleasure to collaborate to the ones that have lost everything”, says Bernard.

From the four tons sent, about two tons were of mineral water; one ton was of non-perishable food; 500kg were of cleaning products; 250kg of personal hygiene (soap, toothpaste, toothbrush and shampoo); 250kg of bedding, bath towels and mattress. “One of the Olympic spirit characteristic is the solidarity. The joint effort is important to contribute with all the people living in these regions and suffering with all that has happened. Every effort is worth it”, says Nalbert Bittencourt.

The headquarters of the Brazilian Olympic Committee and Rio 2016 Organizing Committee and the Maria Lenk Aquatic Center are the official collection station of the West Zone of Rio de Janeiro State Social Assistance and Human Rights Office. The donations can be made from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The priorities now are cleaning products, items of personal hygiene, milk boxes, mineral water, non-perishable food and disposable material (plates, flatware, cups…). “The solidarity has to be practiced. A lot of people have lost everything. Winning a championship and the Olympic Games is a victory to the athletes. In the case of the floods, is the fight for life. It’s the Olympic movement giving its contribution”, says Adriana Behar.

COLLECTION STATIONS:
Brazilian Olympic Committee and Rio 2016 Organizing Committee headquarters (Av. das Américas, 899 – Barra da Tijuca)

Maria Lenk Aquatic Center (Av. Embaixador Abelardo Bueno, S/N, Jacarepaguá).

From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.