Parathlete makes career plans by issuing Legal Pass, which guarantees free intercity transportation for PwD in Amazonas

The reality of travel is already part of the routine of 26-year-old Tefe athlete Jozinei Praia. Since he began his journey in jiu-jitsu, at 18, he has had to travel between municipalities in Amazonas to compete. Now, travel has gained an ally: the Legal Pass. The document is issued by the Government of Amazonas and guarantees half a ticket on intercity transport for People with Disabilities (PwD).

The Intermunicipal Card is issued through the State Secretariat of Justice, Human Rights and Citizenship (Sejusc), at the Executive Secretariat for Persons with Disabilities (SEPCD), located at Rua Marquês de Quixeramobim, 210, in the Flores neighborhood. It was there that Josinei managed to secure his rights and found a way to encourage his own career.

With the document, the Pan American Para Jiu-Jitsu Championship medalist is entitled to half a ticket on road and water transport throughout the state. “Transport logistics has always been complicated for us. Many times, we had to look for sponsorship, something extra. Now, that will change”, highlighted an optimistic Jozinei.

The para-athlete was born in the Punã Community, in the municipality of Uarini (565 kilometers from Manaus), and lost his vision, as a baby, after a severe fever. Jozinei also has hearing loss in one ear. In 2017, he moved to Tefé (523 kilometers from the capital) with the aim of investing in jiu-jitsu. There, he joined the Papa Mike Jiu-Jitsu social project, responsible for serving 60 young people and children.

“Jozinei is a great athlete, he has no barriers at all and, now, he is showing that he is capable, like everyone else. This document arrived at the right time and will open doors, we will take it even further, I’m sure”, said coach Valneis Massulo, who affectionately refers to the para-athlete with the nickname Peixinho.

Achievements

Last weekend, in Manaus, Jozinei Praia won two gold medals at the Pan American Para Jiu-Jitsu Championship, in the NoGi (no gi) and Gi (with gi) disciplines. The event, which had the support of the Government of Amazonas, will count points in the jiu-jitsu ranking, which will define which athletes will compete in the World Championship, in Abu Dhabi, and the World Games, in Guangzhou, China.

“My goal is always first place, I always try to be champion. Regardless of the result, I will always train harder so that I can do my best in the next fight”, reinforced the para-athlete.

It was during his visit to the capital of Amazonas that Jozinei sought help from Sejusc to issue the Legal Pass. “Now, with these documents, nothing will stop me!”, he concluded.