Brazilian Judokas lead relief efforts amid devastating floods in Rio Grande do Sul

A recent and unprecedented climate disaster has dramatically affected Brazil, particularly in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul. This catastrophe, which scientists attribute to a combination of the natural phenomenon El Niño and the impacts of global warming, has seen the region suffer from severe flooding. This has resulted in over 1.4 million people being affected, with more than 232,000 rendered homeless and at least 107 confirmed casualties.

In the midst of this dire situation, Brazilian judokas have brought hope and relief by actively volunteering to assist flood victims. Prominent athletes like Olympic and world medallists Mayra Aguiar, Daniel Cargnin, and João Derly, who are natives of the region, have been particularly instrumental in these efforts. They, along with other judokas such as Alexia Castilhos, Eric Takabatake, Gabriel Genro, Jéssica Lima, and Leonardo Gonçalves, have engaged in various volunteer activities, including fundraising and direct participation in rescue operations.

The catastrophic flooding has submerged entire cities, with water levels reaching up to five meters. The destruction has led to the closure of roads and Salgado Filho airport, causing a crisis in the supply of essential resources like clean water, electricity, and food. However, the community has responded with a wave of solidarity, donating clothes, food, and cleaning supplies to those in need.

Judokas have been at the forefront of this relief effort. Athletes such as Alexia Castilhos, Eric Takabatake, Daniel Cargnin, and Gabriel Genro have launched crowdfunding campaigns to raise funds, which they are now using to purchase supplies for shelters and rescue operations. Alexia Castilhos described how her neighborhood was severely affected by the floodwaters, prompting her to help transport water and food to those in need.

Training facilities like the Grêmio Náutico União and Sogipa clubs, where many of these judokas train, have opened their doors to house homeless individuals and store donations. These clubs have become critical support centers. Athletes like João Derly and Mayra Aguiar have been working tirelessly at Sogipa, unloading trucks filled with donated water and food, which are then distributed to shelters and kitchens. Despite their demanding training schedules for upcoming competitions, these athletes have dedicated their time to volunteer work.

João Derly emphasized the collective effort of the judo community, noting that even young judokas and high-performance athletes have been involved in providing support. In Novo Hamburgo, judo teacher and former national team athlete Rafaela Nitz has organized a community kitchen that produces over 3,000 lunch boxes daily to support those affected.

Canoas, the hometown of judokas Daniel Cargnin and Rochele Nunes, was particularly hard-hit by the flooding. Rochele, who currently resides in Portugal, shared that her mother lost her home in the disaster. She has been actively collecting donations from the Brazilian community in Portugal to send back to Brazil. Additionally, Douglas Potrich, a coach for the Brazilian team, has housed 35 people in his dojo, Kiai Dojo, and is raising funds to help rebuild homes.

The Judo Federation of Rio Grande do Sul (FGJ) has also initiated a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for rebuilding judo academies and associations that were damaged by the floods. Many judo teachers have offered free classes to children in shelters to help them cope with the stress and begin rebuilding their lives through sport.

Despite the disaster, these athletes continue to prepare for their upcoming competitions, including the Abu Dhabi World Championships and the Olympic Games. Many of the Brazilian judo team members live in Porto Alegre, including Jéssica Lima, Ketleyn Quadros, Mayra Aguiar, Daniel Cargnin, Rafael Macedo, and Leonardo Gonçalves. The Brazilian Judo Confederation has been supporting these athletes by facilitating their travel to competitions despite the logistical challenges posed by the flood.

With the airport closed and many roads blocked, judokas like Ketleyn Quadros and Rafael Macedo had to travel nearly 500km by car to Florianópolis to catch flights to São Paulo and then onward to Kazakhstan for the Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam. Other athletes will follow this route to reach the Abu Dhabi World Championships.