The Olympic training program at the Art Museum of Rio

A special cultural exchange programme that connected 17 state schools in Rio de Janeiro with schools in other countries around the world concluded with a special ceremony on Tuesday (19 July) at the award-winning Art Museum of Rio. Launched in February this year by the Rio 2016 organising committee, the Conexão Transforma project has built lasting bridges between Brazil and schools in 17 countries: Argentina, Canada, Cape Verde, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Panama, Peru, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Uruguay and the USA.

Youngsters and authorities from the schools visited the Art Museum on Tuesday. Every school which participated in the initiative was given a replica of the Olympic torch. During the project, participating schools swapped gift boxes containing typical items and, in this Olympic year, produced films explaining some of the most popular sports in their countries. Each school will also hold small fairs at which they will show parents and other visitors what their students have learned about the cultures of their partner institution overseas.