The protocol signed today resulted from an invitation by the Central Regional Rugby Committee to the Leiria club, which will replicate the Rugby with Sharing project, an initiative that introduced the sport to several prisons across the country.
“This project will have a very positive impact on our young people because it involves physical activity and creates tremendous value in terms of communication, responsibility, and team spirit,” said Joana Patuleia, the director of Leiria’s prison-school.
Patuleia emphasized that rugby is a comprehensive sport akin to life itself: “There is impact, struggle, effort, and also overcoming challenges.”
“All these elements exist, but it is crucial to overcome and advance. Rugby holds such value, aiding personal and social development, which helps create conditions for their integration into society,” she added.
The prison-school is the only detention facility for young people in the country, meant for inmates aged 16 to 21, with a possible extension to 25 years. Patuleia noted the institution seeks to open up to the outside world and the community, involving various partner entities across numerous fields.
Highlighting that formal education is vital, she stated, “Non-formal education is even more crucial,” as the youth are in a developmental stage facing challenges and need skills for successful reintegration.
Rugby with Sharing Founder, Manuel Cortes, revealed the project started in 2016 and is currently being implemented at the Regional Prisons of Lisbon, Alcoentre, Linhó, Santa Cruz do Bispo (women), Vale dos Judeus, and Évora.
“It is transformational for them, and it’s amazing to see how outstanding athletes and those who aren’t as skilled integrate and accept each other. It’s very educational,” he noted, emphasizing the development of personality, relationships, managing aggression, and accepting others’ and one’s own mistakes.
Cortes mentioned that some athletes could play for a team like the ‘Lobos’ of Leiria, while others might only serve as ball boys.
“But we must look them in the eye, tackle, and be tackled. It must be an equal playing field,” he stressed, acknowledging he gains more than he gives from this experience.
Paulo Picão Eusébio, the president of the Central Regional Rugby Committee, stated the aim is to increase the number of athletes, with a focus on the social aspect as well.
“As former athletes, we have a mission to continue this legacy of promoting the sport and proving we are different through values of resilience, teamwork, and dedication, which rugby embodies,” he said.
He expressed being “fascinated” by Cortes’s project and the opportunities rugby offers to those deprived of their freedom, assisting their reintegration into society.
The association ***Asteriscos immediately accepted the challenge proposed by the Committee. President Raul Testa admitted that one of the roles of sports clubs is to “have an impact on society beyond sporting activities.”
“Considering the philosophy underpinning the creation of Criminal Law in Portugal applies penalties with the aim of regeneration and reintegration of incarcerated individuals, all activities we can develop in conjunction with the prison that help provide new tools and reintegration to those deprived of their freedom are crucial for us,” he remarked.
