GCA Powerlifting Team   Rua Rudolf Lotze 17 05663 55 11 3742-5349 Paraisópolis, São Paulo, SP e-mail: gilson.clemente@superig.com.br

GCA Paraisópolis Powerlifting Program is an initiative of GCA Gym targeting young Paraisópolis residents, in general, and at risk youth in particular. Paraisópolis is a very low income locality, also known as a slum, neighboring high-income districts at the city of São Paulo, Brazil. It has developed along with the last urban growth wave in the city, bringing workers from the poor Northeastern States of the country. As a result, Paraisópolis grew to become an enormous “Northeastern colony” in the middle of a traditionally wealthy area. Neglected by the State, with poor urban infra-structure and social services such as education, public health and safety, the Paraisópolis population is considered highly vulnerable to crime, health hazards and general consequences of the lack of preventive health measures.

Particularly exposed to such risks are the young. Recent crime research in Brazil has shown that the highest incidence of crime victimization is among young men between 15-25 years old, for example.

Gilson Clemente, owner of GCA Gym and GCA Powerlifting Coach has informally developed a program to attract young Paraisópolis residents to powerlifting. The program’s rationale is based on the evidence according to which organized sport may effectively protect at risk young people by:

1.     engaging them in disciplined, goal oriented activity;

2.     improving self-esteem through coach and team-mate support, as well as competition reward;

3.     introducing healthy lifestyle guidelines in a positive manner;

4.     keeping them away from dangerous environments;

5.     building a socially supportive network;

6.     stimulating commitment to further formal education.

The initiative has grown from a small number of powerlifting practitioners, in the early 2000’s, to over 30 athletes participating in local, national and international level competitions. GCA has become, through these athletes, the largest and most awarded powerlifting team in Brazil.

GCA Powerlifting Team