As a public and democratic space, Rio's beaches are the ideal setting for people from all social backgrounds and abilities to come together and enjoy sporting recreations. Reluctant to simply sit and soak up the sun's rays, most Cariocas opt for a more active and mobile engagement with their surroundings and have adapted and developed a number of different sports that are perfect for the sandy terrain.

One sport which is played at almost every beach in Rio, regardless of size and demographic, is 'futebol de areia,' or beach soccer. At larger beaches, such as the 'Praia do Flamengo,' and in areas of the Western Zone of Rio, there are nets and portions of the sand dedicated to the recreation. Altinha, or 'little high,' is a game in which the ball is passed in the air between circles of players, using feet, calves, knees, shoulders and head. The golden rule - that the ball remains air bound at all times - lends the sport its name.