The dreams of 16 amazingly talented and brave street children from Caracol Favela in the Complexo da Penha, Rio de Janeiro, came true as they took on a team of international football legends in a once in a lifetime surprise football match at Qatar Olympic Committee’s Bayt Qatar in partnership with ‘Save the Dream’ and powered by Ooredoo.
Having been told by charity workers they would only travel a short distance to play a local team from neighbouring favela the youngsters were astonished on route to the game when they were joined suddenly on their team bus by Brazil’s World Cup winning captain, Cafu.
For the children it was the first of a long list of exciting surprises all captured on an inspiring film to be released by Qatar Olympic Committee. After boarding the bus Brazilian hero Cafu then took his new young friends to play against fellow all-stars Zico, Trezeguet, Karembeu, Dunga, Petkovi, Felipe, Assuncao, Lucio and E Marcelo Travares. The legends were all secretly waiting within the courtyard of Qatar’s Olympic home for Rio 2016, Casa Daros which had been transformed from a traditional Qatari souk into a football pitch overnight.
On a typical day these children face the challenge of living in one of the most dangerous favelas in Brazil known for its poverty, unemployment, drug trafficking, gunfights and violence. But for the children who all belong to the Safe Space Programme ran by charity Street Child United this was no ordinary day.
Organised by the Qatar Olympic Committee and supported by Ooredoo to raise awareness for ‘Save the Dream’, the official charity of the International Centre for Sport Security, the Ooredoo Legends Match was created to celebrate and spread the true spirit of the Olympics to all communities in Rio especially local children from disadvantaged areas.
Commenting on the event HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) said: ‘The QOC has come to Brazil for the Olympics with a simple ambition to share our passion for sport and our culture with the world. It is an ambition that has no boundaries, borders or limits so this specific event is very important to us as we want to reach out and engage all communities especially the next generation.
“In Brazil football connects to communities, creates lasting friendship and inspires people in a way that only sport can. We hope this experience will live in long in the memories of all who were part of this special occasion and help the children realise their dreams.”
In an event like no other the children thrived on the opportunity to showcase their immense skills to the legends and adoring crowds that gathered to watch the 3 on 3 mini tournament. As a further treat, again unknown to the youngsters, that crowd included their own friends and family. Qatar Olympic Committee had arranged additional transport to bring the children their own ‘supporters’ to Bayt Qatar to help the entire community savour the memorable moment and spread deeper the Olympic values.    
Two-time World Cup winner and Brazilian legend Cafu added: ‘Surprising the kids on the bus was such an incredible moment. It was really touching to see the excitement in their eyes. I can only hope the children enjoyed the day as much as we did as being around people who share your love of the game and who have such energy to play is very rewarding. This is one day the children will never forget and I’m sure it’s what they’ll remember most about the Olympics taking place in Rio. I really hope it encourages them to follow their dreams. Every child should share that opportunity.” After signing autographs and posing for selfies with the kids the event was brought to a close with a message of goodwill and support to Brazil’s greatest living sportsman Pele. Sadly the man who has inspired generations around the world has been sorely missed by Brazil during its Olympic moment. The gathering such footballing superstars alongside the local children was a poignant moment for the community reflect. Players and children were pictured alongside a simple message – ‘Get well soon Pele. We love you.’