Hoopers is pleased to announce another major milestone in transforming basketball in Brazil. In partnership with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Eaton, we have completed the renovation of yet another court—this time at Parque dos Macaquinhos in the city of Caxias do Sul (Rio Grande do Sul). This marks the Cavaliers’ fifth project in the country and the second carried out together with Eaton; for Hoopers, it’s our fourth renovated court!
Located in the Serra Gaúcha region—known for its vineyards and strong industrial activity—Caxias do Sul was the setting of a renovation that brought a new paint job and structural improvements, inspired by the local winemaking culture. Antônio Neto was responsible for the court’s exclusive design, blending art and sports to create a welcoming and modern environment. According to the Brazilian artist NetoSeteOito, the inspiration for the court painting in Caxias do Sul came from the desire to highlight the culture and identity of the Serra Gaúcha region: “The artwork brings together symbolic elements such as the colors of the Rio Grande do Sul flag, the vineyards, the araucaria tree, the rising sun, and references to the traditional Grape Festival. In a particularly meaningful year, as Caxias do Sul celebrates the 150th anniversary of Italian immigration, the painting also pays tribute to the strength and contributions of the immigrants who helped shape the city. More than just an artistic intervention, the court was envisioned as a space of connection between past and future, where art and sport come together to celebrate the unity, history, and pride of the Gaúcho people,” he explained.
In addition to the court’s official unveiling, the Cavaliers, NBA, and Eaton held a youth basketball clinic and a wheelchair basketball clinic, expanding access to the sport in the region. This initiative is part of the Cavaliers’ ongoing commitment to bring basketball to different corners of the world and promote a positive impact through sport.
Before visiting Caxias do Sul, the Cleveland Cavaliers team also stopped by the Rocinha community in Rio de Janeiro, where a Kids Clinic took place featuring the Cavaliers’ global ambassador, Anderson Varejão, and NBA Latam’s Director of Basketball Operations, Daniel Soares. In São Paulo, a clinic with Special Olympics Brasil was held.
Since April 2023, the Cavaliers have renovated five basketball courts across Brazil. Their first project involved refurbishing the Beco de Nego court in São Paulo. They then returned to the country to renovate two courts at the Saldanha de Gama club in Vitória (Espírito Santo) — where Varejão took his first steps in basketball. In April of last year, in partnership with Eaton, they delivered a renovated court in Valinhos (São Paulo), at Parque Monsenhor Bruno Mardini.
For us at Hoopers, it is an honor to be part of this story, contributing to the development of sports and social well-being in Brazil. “Last year was not easy for Rio Grande do Sul, and it gives us immense satisfaction to give back to the community with something tangible through basketball, alongside the Cleveland Cavaliers and Eaton. We continue on this path, believing that sports are a transformative force and that together we can build lasting change,” confessed Hoopers CEO, André Sobral Costa.
Want to learn more about our projects and partnerships? Keep following the Hoopers website to stay up to date with the latest news!
