Jogos Escolares do Município de Uberlândia (JEMU): uma análise das edições 2017 a 2024

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to investigate the dynamics, structure, and the relationship of the event with school Physical Education, seeking to identify the advances and gaps in the way sports are treated in the educational context. Through bibliographic and documentary research in the archives of the Uberlândia City Hall and CEMEPE, it was possible to map the event's history. It was concluded from this trajectory that Jogos Escolares do Município de Uberlândia (JEMU) underwent immense transformations. It was observed that, in the 2017 and 2018 editions, the focus was still on spectacularization, with the event assuming a 'showcase' role for high-performance clubs. However, JEMU migrated to a more simplified and participatory format by 2024. One of the most important milestones of this transition was the consolidation of the Paralympic Festival from 2019 onwards, along with the inclusion of more playful activities, such as Carimbada. This demonstrated a remarkable advance of the municipality towards a more critical perspective and, above all, focused on the true inclusion of students.