^{At the age of only 16, the athlete already has a history of several competitions. Photo: Silmar Ramos}

The Covid-19 pandemic directly affected the sports scenario, with the temporary suspension of training and competitions. However, Toledo´s volleyball again gained evidence with the call-up of Lukas Felipe Bergmann by the Brazilian Volleyball Confederation.

The news surprised everyone by the unusual moment because, as in other sectors, technology has become the great ally of sport. The call-up was made virtually, as well as the athlete's monitoring activities by the Confederation. Lukas' presentation took place on Monday (20), also remotely.

 At the age of only 16, the athlete already has a history of several competitions and excellent results. Lukas has been training at Mais Vôlei for five years, a project that is supported by Prati-Donaduzzi through the Sports Incentive Law, which has discovered, encouraged and publicized several local and regional athletes.

Recognition

For Coach André Henrique Van de Sand, the call-up was a surprise due to the health crisis. “Lukas has always been an example. We put a lot of faith in his future and little by little he is reaping the rewards of years of training and competitions”, he evaluates.

The attacker started playing volleyball in a square near his home. With the encouragement of the family and with a lot of dedication, today he celebrates the opportunity to represent the municipality in the Brazilian Under-19 Team. “I was very happy for the call-up and really honored for the recognition”.

^{Lukas has been training at Mais Vôlei for five years, a project that is supported by Prati-Donaduzzi. Photo: Silmar Ramos}

Home training

The Confederation aims to prepare the squad for the South American Championship, still without a set date.  In the courts of Toledo, the sport has not returned, however this is not a problem for the player. "I have played with my parents and my sister and performed muscular activities at home by myself".

Mais Vôlei

The coach regrets not being present at this important moment, but he plans intense training as soon as activities are resumed. “We don't have any predictions yet. We hope that everything will be fine for us to return, because much work remains to be done and we have great results from all the teams, which are classified for the special division of Paraná´s championship”, says André.

More than 300 children and teenagers participate in Mais Vôlei Project. For five years, it has had the support of the pharmaceutical company, in addition to the incentive by Toledo City Hall and Toledo Volleyball Association (Avotol). “This support means that our athletes who started their career here are seen nationally”, ends André.