{"id":4708,"date":"2026-06-01T20:22:31","date_gmt":"2026-06-01T23:22:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bricsbrasil.com.br\/?p=4708"},"modified":"2026-06-01T21:30:42","modified_gmt":"2026-06-02T00:30:42","slug":"byd-invites-joao-vitor-de-paiva-to-visit-china","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bricsbrasil.com.br\/en\/byd-invites-joao-vitor-de-paiva-to-visit-china\/","title":{"rendered":"BYD invites Jo\u00e3o Vitor de Paiva to visit China"},"content":{"rendered":"

After getting his driver’s license and buying a brand-new car with his own earnings, one of the leading voices for the inclusion of people with Down syndrome prepares for an immersion in the Asian country.<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

The story of Jo\u00e3o Vitor de Paiva Bittencourt is filled with achievements. He became a phenomenon<\/strong>, establishing himself as one of the most powerful voices in Brazil<\/strong> in defending the rights of people with Down syndrome (T21) and combating ableism.<\/p>\n

I met Jo\u00e3o Vitor during the production of \u201cBuddies and the Heir” (Colegas e o Herdeiro<\/em><\/a>), a feature film that will soon premiere in theaters and in which he is one of the protagonists<\/strong>. I am an associate producer of the movie and had the opportunity to work directly with him during script studies, in rehearsals and behind the scenes. I am a fan and a witness to his extraordinary journey.<\/p>\n

One of Jo\u00e3o Vitor’s recent updates is his trip to China at the invitation of BYD: \u201cBYD believed in this story and now I am going to see all of this up close<\/a>\u201d, he celebrated in a video posted on Instagram. \u201cI bought my first car, a shiny new BYD, with money from my lectures, projects and digital work\u201d, he shared. He also gifted another BYD to his mother, psychologist M\u00e1rcia Regina.<\/p>\n

A pioneer, he was also the first person with Down syndrome to obtain a National Driver’s License (CNH) in the state of Goias<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Who is Jo\u00e3o Vitor de Paiva<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

\ud83d\udce2 Digital influencer and activist:<\/strong> Jo\u00e3o uses his social media platforms to be an active voice in the fight for inclusion and against prejudice and ableism. Currently, he has over 1.1 million followers across Instagram<\/a> and TikTok<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfc6 Two-time iBest Award winner:<\/strong> Elected by popular vote as the Best Digital Influencer of 2024 in Brazil under the Diversity and Inclusion<\/em> category<\/a>. One year later, he repeated the feat and won again in the 2025 edition<\/a>, establishing his position as the top national reference in the field.<\/p>\n

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Two-time iBest winner in the \u201cDiversity and Inclusion\u201d category<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

\ud83c\udf93 Historic academic background:<\/strong> He became the first student with Down syndrome to graduate with a degree in Physical Education from PUC Goi\u00e1s<\/a> (Pontifical Catholic University of Goias).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\ud83d\udcda Scientific thesis:<\/strong> He dedicated his final graduation thesis to the topic \u201cResistance Training and Down Syndrome\u201d, addressing the benefits of strength training for the quality of life of people with T21.<\/p>\n

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Physical Education degree successfully completed<\/em><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

\ud83c\udf0d UNICEF Advisor:<\/strong> He was appointed as the first young advisor with T21 for UNICEF Brazil<\/a>, where he actively works to defend the rights of children and youth with disabilities.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfac Movie star:<\/strong> He is one of the protagonists of the feature film \u201cBuddies and the Heir” (Colegas e o Herdeiro<\/em>), directed by filmmaker Marcelo Galv\u00e3o<\/a>. The movie is a fun adventure that will premiere in theaters across Brazil on August 13, 2026.<\/p>\n

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Jo\u00e3o Vitor behind the scenes of the feature film “Buddies and the Heir”<\/em><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

\ud83c\udfad Artistic career:<\/strong> He acted in the SBT soap opera \u201cE agora, quem vai ficar com a mam\u00e3e?<\/em>\u201d and participated in other film projects.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udde3\ufe0f Speaker and TEDx Speaker: <\/strong>In his events, Jo\u00e3o highlights the importance of early stimulation, family and inclusive education, while also provoking reflections on prejudice, ignorance, ableism and social barriers.<\/p>\n

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Speaker at the TEDx event<\/em><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Interview with Jo\u00e3o Vitor: \u201cInclusion transforms lives\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
How did this opportunity with BYD to visit China come about? What went through your mind when you got the invitation?<\/strong><\/h5>\n

It all came down to my history with BYD and getting my driver’s license<\/a>. They followed my entire journey with so much affection. When the invitation came in, I was incredibly happy and deeply moved. Visiting China has always been a huge dream of mine.<\/p>\n

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Scene of Jo\u00e3o Vitor taking his girlfriend Rafa Fonta for a drive in his BYD. Click<\/a> to check out the video on his Instagram.<\/em><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

You bought your first car \u2014 a BYD \u2014 with your own money. How is the experience of driving the vehicle and gaining your independence?<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Buying my first car with my own money was a massive milestone for me. After that, I got my driver’s license. And I gave a brand-new car to my mother. I am very happy driving my BYD and living with more independence every day. It is a feeling of freedom and responsibility.<\/p>\n

When are you scheduled to take off?<\/strong><\/h5>\n

The trip is set for the coming months. We are currently mapping out the entire itinerary to make it something truly special.<\/p>\n

What are your main plans for the itinerary?<\/strong> What places do you plan to visit?<\/strong><\/h5>\n

I want to tour the BYD factory, immerse myself in Chinese culture, visit the major landmarks and just live this experience to the fullest. It is going to be a unique learning opportunity.<\/p>\n

What does it mean to you to represent Brazil and the cause of inclusion in China?<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Representing Brazil and the inclusion movement in China is a massive honor. I want to show the world that people with Down syndrome can make their mark – that we can achieve our dreams and inspire others to do the same.<\/p>\n

Beyond the China trip, what other professional projects do you have on the horizon?<\/strong><\/h5>\n

I have new film projects coming up, advertising campaigns and a lot of work ahead in inclusion and tourism areas. I am very excited about everything that lies ahead.<\/p>\n

What are your expectations for the release of \u201cBuddies and the Heir\u201d?<\/b><\/h5>\n

The expectations for the premiere of \u201cBuddies and the Heir” (trailer below) are sky-high. This movie is incredibly special to me and I am sure the audience is going to fall in love with it.<\/p>\n

You are living proof that inclusion is not only possible but transformative. With so many achievements in your history, what message would you like to share with everyone?<\/b><\/h5>\n

I never gave up on my dreams. If there is one thing I want people to take away from my story, it is to believe in themselves. When you have the right opportunities, support and dedication, absolutely anything is possible. Inclusion transforms lives.<\/p>\n