“I started running with my son by chance. We took part in a small event in my hometown and when I saw the impact sport had on him I never stopped. Many people say I take Biel with me, but I just push him – he’s the one to carries me along.”
The video of Rodrigo and Biel was part of Enel’s #ShowYourEnergy (#MostreSuaEnergia) web series and was watched by thousands of people. Social networks contributed to this and other stories of resilience being shared and becoming sources of inspiration for many people. Such as the dream of the Rio native Sebastião de Oliveira, who invested all his savings into building a badminton training centre. Motivated by improving the lives of children in a poor community, the space became a reference in the sport and revealed a winning generation of youngsters with national and international titles.
The web series also told the stories of former street dweller Davi Albino, a star of the Brazilian Greco-Roman wrestling team; of the early and involuntary retirement of swimmer Gabriella Silva, Brazilian and South American record-holder in the 100m butterfly; and of Pedro Neves, who overcame cerebral palsy through sport. Pedro tried football, swimming and wrestling but found himself in athletics. With his jumps, he conquered the Para-Pan-American Games of 2015.
