ABSTRACT
The trajectory of Brazilian women in sport reflects what was happening to them in other social settings. The leadership of some Brazilian thinkers, doctors, lawyers and pedagogues, who identified themselves with the European critical ideas to this situation, did contribute to the greater inclusion of women in physical and sportive activities. Considering the poor sports structure of Brazil, for the majority of Brazilian children and youth, school and, within it, the physical education classes are a unique opportunity to experience systematized sports-oriented learning. Heralded as one of the elements that integrates Brazilian national identity, football arrived in the country in the late nineteenth century, after the structuring of sports such as rowing, horse racing and athletics. Cora Coralina epitomizes the Brazilian spirit for perseverance, facing life's challenges and choosing to make a difference. She taught Brazilians many things through her words and remains an inspiration to the women of Brazil.
