Municipalities will receive sports equipment.

Mines 247 - The Governor of Minas Gerais, Fernando Pimentel, launched this Monday (27), at the JK Auditorium, in the Administrative City, in Belo Horizonte, the Campos de Luz II Program, which will illuminate amateur football fields and multi-sports courts. Resulting from an agreement between the Minas Gerais Energy Company (Cemig) and the state government, the program foresees illuminating 250 amateur football fields and 50 multi-sports courts. Cemig's investment is estimated at R$ 15 million, a resource necessary to enable the creation of the projects, as well as the acquisition of materials and the execution of the works. Pimentel also announced the municipalities that will receive equipment from the Outdoor Gym program, in addition to sports kits with footballs, trophies, uniform sets and volleyball nets. In total, 237 municipalities will benefit from the three initiatives – Campos de Luz, sports kits and gyms. R$ 1,7 million will be invested in this phase of the Outdoor Gym program. 

127 pieces of equipment from the Outdoor Gym program will be installed in public locations across 95 municipalities (in addition to five prison units), and 634 kits with sports equipment will be distributed to 93 municipalities. Furthermore, 115 amateur fields and multi-sports courts in 94 cities throughout Minas Gerais will receive public lighting.

In April, another R$ 6,9 million was announced, allocated to 330 cities, with 523 sets of gym equipment such as walking, skiing and horseback riding simulators, as well as benches for leg and arm exercises. Additionally, 634 kits with sports equipment – ​​such as soccer, futsal and volleyball balls and nets, trophies, shirts and vests – are being donated to 93 municipalities, representing an investment of R$ 1,4 million.

Pimentel defended the need to deliver this equipment to municipalities in the interior and said that the benefits are enormous, especially for municipalities with up to 5 inhabitants. "Equipment like this does make a difference in people's lives, just as it makes a difference to illuminate a soccer field, a sports court, or to donate equipment to equip the court for the people and teams of the city. All of this makes a difference for the better in people's lives," he argued.

The selection of municipalities to receive the donations and investments was based on the universalization of sports infrastructure in each city, as well as the demands presented at the Regional Government Forums. The equipment is recommended for those who wish to start practicing physical activities, combat sedentary lifestyles, and improve their quality of life. Thanking the 122 mayors present, the governor highlighted the importance of regionalizing the State's work.

"You can't govern the state from inside your office, ignoring the reality of Minas Gerais, this diversity. You have to pay attention to the municipalities, to the mayors, the councilors, the municipal leaders. It is in the municipality that people's lives unfold. It is there that they raise children, it is there that they work, it is there that we suffer and have joys, it is there that we dream. So, it is with the municipalities that we must govern Minas Gerais," he said.

The mayor of Coluna, Alto Jequitinhonha Territory, José de Brito Filho, highlighted the implementation of the Regional Forums, which serve as a bridge for dialogue between the State Government and the municipalities. "We express our deepest gratitude for what we have achieved lately, such as the program to promote sports activities. We need this attention that is directed towards our people, who are so in need of everything," he said.

Commenting on the Campos Luz program, the state Secretary of Sports, Carlos Henrique, said that, in addition to its social relevance, "it is also a revival of amateur football in the state, which has its historical context." "It is an effort by the State Government to benefit sports initiatives that have a very important foundation from the point of view of health and the integration of people," he said.

The Director of Institutional Relations and Communication at Cemig, Luís Fernando Paroli, highlighted the social aspect of the program. "Cemig works for, insists on, and greatly enjoys participating in the social issues of the State. And sport needs to be viewed in a broader way. Sport is not just professional; it fosters integration, education, and prepares young people for community life. This is very important for society, it reflects on their adult lives and brings great well-being to society," he emphasized.

Also participating in the ceremony were the Secretary of State for Government, Odair Cunha; federal and state deputies, mayors, and regional leaders.

*With advice