After two years of research at Oxford University into the role of sport in promoting social integration, British Brazilian Robert Malengreau, launched UMRio in 2013 with colleagues from Oxford University Ruby Club. The idea was simple, use rugby as an access point to help and create a safe and enabling environment for kids in the area.

Studies show that over 90% of those who join drug gangs in Rio’s favelas are between the ages of 13 and 18 years. The main drivers of gang involvement include inequality of opportunity (44%), financial struggles (23%),the desire for a greater sense of belonging (12%), adrenaline (7%) and the desire for power (4%). Helping young adults making the right choices, building confidence and empowering them to develop and pursue aspirations is at the forefront of UMRio’s priorities.

Back in 2013, the kids we’re unsure of the oval ball and the new rules that came with it, but their love for the sport has grown exponentially over the past five years. Nicknamed ‘Morro do Rugby’, our kids in Morro do Castro adopted rugby as their sport of choice and a way of life. Today, UMRio consists of over 50 committed worldwide volunteers and over 400 kids, young people and now adults participating in one or all our of programs. Read more about our work in the progress reports of 2018.

Annual report 2020
Annual report 2019

Progress report March 2018
Progress report April 2018
Progress report May 2018
Progress report June 2018
Progress report July 2018
Progress report August 2018
Progress report September 2018