Inspirational match was held in partnership with Al Bayt Qatar
Tribune News Network
Rio de Janeiro
In only twenty-four hours after going live, over six million viewers worldwide have watched the dramatic moments when the dreams of 16 amazingly talented and brave street children came true in an inspirational behind-the-scenes video released on Saturday by the Qatar Olympic Committee.
The youngsters who come from Caracol Favela in the Complexo da Penha, Rio de Janeiro, one of the deadliest Favela's in Rio, starred in the film which showcased their once in a lifetime opportunity to play football with legends of the game, in a surprise football match in partnership with charity 'Save the Dream' and powered by Ooredoo at Bayt Qatar.
Having been told by charity workers they would only travel a short distance to play a local team from neighbouring favela the astonished reactions of the youngsters were captured when they were joined suddenly on their team bus by Brazil's World Cup winning captain, Cafu!
The overwhelmingly positive reaction from people around the world to the inspiring short film has prompted Qatar Olympic Committee to release a second film on their social channels. The second video goes further behind the scenes to tell the story of one of the youngsters surprised on the day, 15-year-old Livia Cristina who dreams of playing for Brazil in the Olympic football final one day.
Recorded to celebrate and spread the true spirit of the Olympics to all communities in Rio, especially local children from disadvantaged areas, both videos aim to raise awareness for 'Save the Dream', the official charity of the International Centre for Sport Security.
To the surprise of the children, the films show that after boarding the bus Brazilian hero Cafu takes his new young friends to play against fellow all-stars Zico, Trezeguet, Karembeu, Dunga, Petkovic, 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 a renowned favela in Rio 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.
Speaking on the success of the day and the video, Dr. Thani Abdulrahman al Kuwari, Secretary General of the Qatar Olympic Committee, said:"Olympics is the greatest platform of all. This is the stage upon which your athletes perform to the world and your nation is showcased. I am very proud of all our athletes and Qatar's contribution to Rio 2016 overall. It has been a privilege to witness how Bayt Qatar has successfully reached out and connected with thousands."
Bayt Qatar has been a huge attraction for locals and is completely sold out for the remainder of the Olympics. All public entry fees to Bayt Qatar will be donated to Futuro Olimpico, an NGO in Rio de Janeiro founded by Olympic medallist Arnaldo de Oliveira.