On the ’Net To learn more about Os Brinquedos Magicos, visit .
To learn more about Lar Fabiano de Cristo, visit Lar Fabiano de Cristo. Both sites are in Portuguese. For English translations, visit translate.google.com and enter the Web sites. Michele Leite never dreamed that a volunteer project in Brazil would lead to international soccer games in Steamboat Springs. But that’s exactly what will happen next week, when Leite hosts an indoor soccer fundraiser at Steamboat Springs High School. Leite said the event is notable not only for the underprivileged Brazilian children it will help, but also for the impressive display of local cultural diversity it will showcase. “It’s really important to mention that everybody is together for one cause,†said Leite, 26, who has lived in Steamboat for six months and works as an au pair for a local family. “It’s so open here to difference. … I’m just happy that I’m here in Steamboat, and we can make it happen. … Steamboat is not just an American place — at least not in the winter.†“It’s a chance for the … cultures to get together and intermingle and play a game that we … love,†said Kayleigh Esswein, a SSHS sophomore and member of the Culture Club who is helping organize the event. “We definitely have a bunch of different cultures. It’s nice to see them all come together. … I’m not surprised that (Leite) was able to get that many teams together. I’m just really glad that it’s happening.†The Culture Club and the high school’s Spanish National Honor Society decided to support the event after hearing a presentation from Leite, and high school soccer players will make up the U.S. team in the event.
“It’s a nice institution,†Leite said, “but kids don’t have toys, don’t have a library. I feel that they need this stuff.â€