Experience Report: Social sports project in a small city in São Paulo, with Ballet and Judo on the scene

Abstract

This experience report describes the implementation of a Social Coexistence and Bond Strengthening Project (SCFV) in the municipalities of Chavantes (SP) and Irapé, targeting children, adolescents, and youth (6 to 18 years old) in situations of social vulnerability. The project, which completed its first year in 2025, offers ballet and judo classes to 177 participants. The main objective is to demonstrate how these modalities, often associated with elitist contexts, can contribute to the democratization of sports and leisure, improve academic performance, and foster psychomotor and socio-emotional development, as well as inspire the formulation of public policies with a social focus. The methodology adopted a qualitative descriptive approach, based on non-participant observation of the experiences. The results highlighted the democratization of access to these practices, the strengthening of family and community ties, and positive impacts on students' behavior and academic performance, with increased parental involvement. Ballet promoted discipline, self-esteem, and artistic sensitivity, while judo cultivated respect, self-control, and resilience, proving beneficial even for young people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Despite challenges such as overcoming elitism paradigms and adapting infrastructure, the project demonstrated significant social and educational transformative capacity. It is concluded that initiatives like this are crucial for social inclusion and human development, underscoring the urgent need for their institutionalization as state policies to ensure continuity and maximize their lasting impact.