Cedro Mineração delivers new "Pereirão" to the community of Antônio Pereira in Ouro Preto

The community of Antônio Pereira, in Ouro Preto, experienced a historic morning with the delivery of the revitalization of the soccer pitch at the Manuel Furtado Stadium, known as "Pereirão", on August 31st. The work, carried out by Cedro Mineração, has given the population back a totally modernized space, ready to host training sessions, matches and moments of leisure for the whole community.

In the commemorative match that marked the reopening of the pitch, Nacional, a traditional team from the district, beat Cedro employees 3-0, in a celebration that brought together sport and socializing. The new pitch, the shiny goalposts and the automated drainage and irrigation system have already set the tone for what will be a new phase for the stadium.

The pitch is named after Manuel Furtado, an outstanding athlete from Nacional who, back in the 1960s, organized impromptu matches there. Since then, it has become a symbol for generations of residents, providing unforgettable moments of leisure and community pride.

The renovation included replacing 9,000 square meters of grass, installing a water reservoir, leveling the area, replanting the grass, installing an irrigation system and completely recovering the fencing. The modernization guarantees better conditions for athletes, fans and other sports initiatives that use the space throughout the year.

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With a history marked by titles and achievements, Nacional is the district's benchmark. Champions of Ouro Preto's 1st division in 2016, 2017 and 2022, the club has already collected moments of glory, but also of overcoming, such as the runners-up spot decided on penalties in 2023. Now, the expectation is that the new pitch will serve as an incentive for the team to continue consolidating its winning trajectory.

The investment is in addition to other actions that Cedro Mineração is carrying out in Antônio Pereira, such as supporting the association of women entrepreneurs, holding cultural events, capoeira workshops and encouraging the local cultural center. 

Strengthened bond

For Eduardo Couto, Cedro's Legal and Institutional Vice-President, the delivery reinforces the mining company's bond with the residents. "It's an honor for us at Cedro Mineração to make this delivery to the community of Antônio Pereira. These are improvements that will help Nacional continue to win new titles and develop their passion for soccer here for the benefit of the entire Ouro Preto community," he said. 

Nacional's president, Helvécio Geraldo Alves, highlighted the new space. "This is very important, because it all started here in 1966, with the Furtado brothers. Throughout that time, we've had to fight hard to get a decent stadium. Nacional now hold two first division titles in Ouro Preto. Remembering that this doesn't just benefit Nacional, but also other teams in this area," he explained. 

New story

Those who have followed the history of Pereirão from the beginning can assure us that the place is beginning a new story. "This pitch was the best thing Cedro did for Antônio Pereira, especially for the youth, who really needed a structure like this," says José Algérsio Gorgozinho, former president of Nacional and a traditional resident of the district.  

"Before it was very difficult, we even had to pull a broom out of the middle of the pitch to play. Now the community has a real space, beautiful and organized. The important thing is to preserve it, take good care of it and value what we have achieved. Let's keep it that way," he said.

With the delivery of the revitalized soccer pitch, Cedro Mineração is taking another step in its commitment to stimulating development in the regions where it operates. Social responsibility is in the company's DNA. This is the Cedro way.