Palmas (TO), November 3, 2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - On Saturday (1), the Minister of Sports, Agnelo Queiroz, said that he is working to enlarge the participation of international communities in the next Native Games. In the current edition, the sixth in the history of the competition, three foreign ethnic groups are taking part: the Wai Wai, who occupy the frontier between Brazil and Guyana, the Kalina, from French Guiana, and two Canadian Indian leaders.

"Conditions are being established here to have an event that integrates the peoples of the Americas. We are organizing this project, and, who knows, next year we may have an international competition," the Minister said. He visited the Olympic Village, on Graciosa Beach, in Palmas, where the Games are being held.

In the village, Queiroz visited huts and met representatives of the nearly 60 ethnic groups that are participating in the competition. During the encounters the Minister was the recipient of homages and thanks. The Terena Indians insisted on lifting him in a ritual denoting recognition and respect. (DAS)