It is a great social gathering. It is a sport event that has grown together with the fair. This is how we can synthesize the meaning of the soccer tournament which is traditionally held on the Saturday of the Festival do Turismo. Today, the soccer of the Festival is one of the greatest parallel activities of the fair. From August onwards, more information about the 23rd edition will be released.

A bit of History

In the first Festival, in 1989, Larri Doile organized a soccer game where sportsmen from the gaúcho trade were put face to face with sportsmen from the rest of the country. It was a relaxed way to give continuity to the good-humored soccer challenge practiced by every Brazilian – to whom his/her team is always the best. It is a way for the gaúchos to answer on the field to the “accusations” of prepotency.

The first game was classified as “free strength”. On the following editions, the search was growing, making the organization more improved, the teams started to present themselves dressed up in proper uniforms and big companies started to sponsor the event. In 1996, the categories Veterans / Master and, more recently, Women´s Soccer were designated.

Remarkable happenings to Curiosities

• Only on the 7th Festival, in 1995, the Seleção Gaúcha lost its invincibility (4 x 3).

•In 1999, the then Miss Brasil Renata Fan delivered the trophy to the winners.

• Even the “chula” (a traditional dance from RS) was performed by the visitors as a way to celebrate a goal against the Seleção Gaúcha.

• The well-trained team from Costão do Santinho has been imposing its advantage in the Women´s soccer.

• The singer from the northeast Falcão ("I am not dog no") was noticed in soccer, amusing everyone.

• The "Nega Maluca", an extroverted and playful character, also showed up at the Field.

• Some "eager players" of the soccer tournament of the Festival, who have played in all the editions: Larri (organizer), Henrique, Wilmir, Osmar and Luciano.

• Marta Rossi, one of the promoters of the Festival do Turismo, has already given the initial kick in one edition.

In this successful history, the initial objectives perpetuate and endure until today: to summon the trade, with discipline, and to have an opportunity for the participants to exchange ideas with more tranquility than in the pavilions of the fair. It is important to say that the athletes must pertain the world of tourism.

Our Fair Recognition

To the great motivators and eternal sponsors of the tournament; esteemed people who, even having changed the Professional address, maintained the focus and support to the soccer tournament of the Festival do Turismo:

• Larri Doile

• Gilberto Sabino

• Rubens Régis

• Rodrigo Canielas

• Marcos Telore

• Klaus Kuhnast

Homenagem póstuma:

• Marco Antonio Silva

• Ernani Daniel Cassel

Check the pictures of the 2010 edition!