Recife, Brazil –  June 2023 - After months of preparation and much anticipation, the great moment has arrived for Salesian sport in the Brazil-Recife (BRE) Province. Last Monday, 26 June, the Nordestão Salesiano 2023 sports event opened at the Salesian Sagrado Coração College. Athletes and their families, sports professionals, students and former students have come together, until 30 June, for moments of pure emotion, exchange and energy. A total of 1,300 students from 16 Salesian schools are committed to unity through sport. The disciplines include dance, rhythmic gymnastics, judo, karate, swimming, volleyball, beach volleyball, chess, basketball, five-a-side football and handball. The first day's programme began with the Eucharistic Celebration celebrated by Fr Francisco Inácio, in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and concelebrated by Fr Eliano Queiroz, Rector of the school hosting the event. Afterwards, the opening ceremony of the Nordestão Salesiano 2023 took place at the Gynasium Dom Bosco, with a parade of participants, performances and the lighting of the Olympic flame.