Emirati Ambassador Strengthens Partnership with Mato Grosso state/ Brazil and Highlights State's First Lady's Support for Para Jiu-Jitsu.
During the meeting, Ambassador Saleh Al Suwaid highlighted the important role of the State’s First Lady with Para Jiu-Jitsu.
As part of the G20 Brazil 2024 ministerial meeting on Thursday (12.09), the First Lady of Mato Grosso, Virginia Mendes, met with the UAE Ambassador, Saleh Al Suwaid. Since the UAE’s First Lady’s approach to Jiu-jitsu, Mato Grosso has strengthened ties with the UAE. It has gained notoriety in the category as the national godmother of Para Jiu-Jitsu.
Elcirley Luz, the president of the Brazilian Federation of Paralympic Jiu-jitsu (FBJJP) and founder of the Mato Grosso Paralympic Jiu-jitsu Association (AMJJP), as well as Mário Edson Cowboy, FBJJP’s national vice president and international vice president of the World Para Jiu-jitsu Federation (WPJJF).
WPJJF is associated member of the JJIF and partner to develop and promote inclusive Ju-Jitsu and the possibility for everybody to participate.
At the meeting, the ambassador expressed gratitude to Governor Mauro Mendes and First Lady Virginia Mendes for their warm hospitality and recognized the significant contribution of the State’s First Lady in strengthening relations between the Emirates and Mato Grosso. “We are delighted and privileged to be here in Mato Grosso. We are grateful for the welcome extended to us, and I must mention that First Lady Virginia Mendes was a driving force in our decision to visit. Her efforts have greatly supported the growth of Jiu-jitsu, particularly for individuals with disabilities,” Saleh Al Suwaid stated.
The history of Jiu-jitsu in the Emirates is extremely beautiful, and we are honored by the invitation, as well as the opportunity for our competitors to represent our state. Seeing para-jiu-jitsu take off in search of a space in the Paralympics is truly motivating for Virginia Mendes, as she said, “All sports are important; thank God, our state has had excellent opportunities”.
“Our relationship with the Emirates certainly offers good opportunities across the board,” said Governor Mauro Mendes. We have the challenge of reaching the carbon negative goal by 2035, and they have the resources and technology; in return, we provide the food supply. This connection will definitely be strengthened even further”, Mauro Mendes said.
At present, the project in Barra do Garças, led by founder Elcirley Luz and FBJJP president, is serving 853 families. Elcirley Luz expresses appreciation for the birthplace of parajiu-jitsu, the Emirates, and for receiving a warm welcome from Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Abdulmunem Al Sayed Hashmi. The partnership continues to thrive as First Lady Virginia Mendes supports their efforts towards inclusion in their community. Elcirley Luz eagerly awaits the world seal of inclusion which will soon be awarded to them.
