Rio 2016 http://www.rio2016.com.br C.O.B. Sun, 01 Aug 2010 05:58:59 GMT A Landmark in Sports Development Athletics, boxing, fencing, water sports, gymnastics, wrestling, judo, taekwondo, table tennis, archery, tennis, badminton and weight lifting. These are the first disciplines contemplated for the Olympic Training Center, an ambitious project by COB presented with the bid for Rio 2016. The revolutionary Olympic Training Center will centralize the infrastructure required to teach, train and develop athletes, optimizing the work of the technical commissions and of other sport professionals. In addition to the sports facilities, the center will also have an infrastructure for full support, including library, lecture rooms, auditorium, computer lab, lodgings, etc. The Olympic Training Center is an important legacy of the Rio 2016 bid for all of Latin America and the Caribbean, showing Brazil's commitment to the Olympic movement. Agberto Guimarães, Pan American champion runner in Caracas/1983 in the 800 and 1500 meters, and current manager of the COB Sports Department, explains the project in greater detail:

Q: What exactly is an Olympic Training Center?
A: An Olympic Training Center is an space for athlete training with the help of professionals and scientific education, in addition to equipment and facilities of the highest level. The main purpose is to centralize the infrastructure required for the athletes' development.

Q: Where did the project’s inspiration come from?
A: The idea came from observing the successful strategies of the world’s sports powers, which already have Olympic Training Centers.

Q: Does this project depend on the choice of Rio as the host of the Olympic Games?
A: No, the Olympic Training Center is a legacy of the bid process itself.

Q: Can it be set up in future in other Brazilian cities as well?
A: The initial idea is to have a main Olympic Training Center in Rio de Janeiro, a type of "headquarters," and to strengthen the use of Training Centers for Olympic sports already existent in other Brazilian cities. The Olympic Training Center will be directed toward the development and refining of the training of high-level athletes. The Training Centers exclusively for Olympic sport will be charged with training athletes.

Q: And how will the athlete internship cycles work?
A: The Olympic Training Center’s operations will be managed by an agenda elaborated according to the main national and international sports events. Following to this calendar, interns in relevant sports will be invited. During this period, the athletes will undergo a battery of tests and will use the physical and professional structure to support their training. At the end, the athletes and the technical committee will return home to continue the training and disseminate knowledge acquired.

Q: In addition to the training, what else can the Olympic Training Center offer the athletes?
A: The Olympic Training Center will provide services in the following areas: nutrition; physiotherapy; sports and clinical medicine; athlete career support; physiological, biomechanical, psychological and biochemical assessment; and a sports information center with infrastructure for courses, symposiums and lectures.

Q: How much will be invested to build and maintain it?
A: These investments are still being calculated. The funds will come from the Ministry of Sports, from sponsorship contracts and tax incentive laws.

Q: What was your greatest achievement as an athlete?
A: In the Olympic setting, it was fourth place in the 800 m of the Moscow Games, in 1980. In the continental games, it was the gold medals in the 1983 Caracas Pan American Games in the 800 and 1500 m.

Q: What were the main training difficulties in your time?
A: I began my career in Belém do Pará in 1974 (Agberto was born in the Pará city of Tucuruí). You can imagine the difficulties we had at the time. Belém only had one dirt track and it rained everyday. The heat was about 32ºC in the shade and humidity was about 90 percent. There was no equipment to support the training of athletes. Sponsorship was out of the question. And to make matters worse, Belém was very isolated from the southeast of Brazil, where the athletics competitions took place. Fortunately, I obtained a scholarship to study in the U.S. in 1978, and things started to get better.

Q: And what do you think has improved for today’s athletes?
A: Absolutely everything. In the case of athletics, today we have synthetic tracks of excellent quality spread through several states of Brazil, and a great number of good-quality competitions organized by CBAT [Brazilian Athletics Confederation]. COB, through its technical department, makes sure that all Brazilian athletes selected by their respective confederations obtain all the support required to prepare for the Olympic and Pan American Games: providing quality uniforms, promoting training camps for acclimatization… And many athletes receive financial aid from their confederations, or through Olympic Solidarity programs, in addition to sponsorship from private entities.

Q: What kind of legacy can the Olympic Training Center leave for Rio and Brazil?
A: The project itself will be a landmark in the development of Olympic sports in Brazil, since it will give the confederations the opportunity of training their athletes in a sports center equipped with the same infrastructure conditions as the centers found in other more developed countries. It will give many sports professionals the opportunity of taking part in the preparation of elite athletes and create sports professionals from all over Brazil.

]]> http://www.rio2016.com.br/en/Entrevistas/Entrevista.aspx?idConteudo=468 1/22/2008 12:25:15 AM 468 The steadfast structure of an Olympic architect The Australian John Baker arrived in Brazil in October 2003 to lead a team of architects in designing venues for the 2007 Rio Pan American Games, for which Baker received kudos. One of them is the National Shooting Center (created by BCMF Architects), part of the Deodoro Sports Complex, which has been shortlisted for the Sixth Architecture and Urbanism Ibero American Biennial 2008 (BIAU 08) prize. Meanwhile, project development and technical analyses are at full speed. Baker is working on the Rio 2016 bid and is planning on new, expanded and renovated competition venues for high-level sporting events. None of this intimidates Baker, who has been involved with major sports events around the world, including the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008.

What is your experience with large international sports events?
I participated actively in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, in Athens 2004 and in Beijing 2008, where I was involved in improving existing competition venues. As a consultant, I worked on projects such as the Asian Games Doha 2006 (Qatar), and the Commonwealth Games Delhi 2010 (India), not to mention Rio 2007, of course.

When did you first come to Brazil?
I came here four and a half years ago to help design the 2007 Rio Pan American Games venues. Now I am working with the EKS consulting team and advising the Rio 2016 Bid Committee on infrastructure.

Tell us about your work here.
Everyday, we work a lot developing the Master Plan for the permanent and temporary competition venues, including technical consulting. I spend about 50 percent of my time in Brazil.

The National Shooting Center was nominated for a BIAU 08 prize to be awarded in Lisbon. What is your opinion on the venue?
Wonderful; in fact, I’d like to mention the Equestrian Center, which, along with the National Shooting Center, was one of the first to be developed. Both are cutting-edge designs, conforming to international federation requirements and of a quality found in spaces that have hosted Olympic Games.

Could you describe your participation in these projects?
I was mainly involved in the briefing. Both projects were conceived by Bruno Campos (Architect in Charge), Marcelo Fontes and Silvio Todeschi of BCMF Architects. Together with their team, they created the projects to also host Olympic Games and other world championships. The venues were designed for future expansions, even minimal ones. They are of outstanding quality, and deserve the recognition of international prizes.

How was the National Shooting Center evaluated during the World Cup in March?
More than 250 athletes from more than 40 countries were there. Their applause was the best feedback we could get. If the athletes themselves praised the venue, it means the space is a complete success.

Talk about X Park, which is part of the Rio 2016 Bid.
It’s awesome. It will be built inside the Deodoro Sports Complex to host three Olympic disciplines: mountain bike, slalom canoeing and BMX cycling. Non-Olympic disciplines – still being studied – are also being considered, including skateboarding and climbing. It is an unprecedented project in the history of Olympic Games.

Another legacy for the city?
Definitely. The idea is to give the facilities to the cariocas and attract new generations fond of radical sports. This is why it will be built in Deodoro, where there is a high concentration of young people. The concept for the area is unique, integrating nature and sports. It is a project for the future, incentive for interest in the Olympic Movement.

]]> http://www.rio2016.com.br/en/Entrevistas/Entrevista.aspx?idConteudo=514 4/15/2008 5:08:50 PM 514 Investment grade benefits the Rio bid for the 2016 Olympic Games The fact that Standard & Poor’s (S&P) raised Brazil to investment grade in April is more than a good sign for the Brazilian economy. According to Alan Cardoso, an investment analyst from Banco Prosper, this is an historic moment. In an interview, he explained how the effects of investment grade– a sort of seal of quality - may be beneficial for and important to the Olympic Games bid. The international community will watch with great interest stability indicators as they signify security and peace of mind for investments. Indicators for Brazil's institutional scene, which has undeniably evolved in recent years, are extremely favorable. The implementation of Plano Real (Real Plan) and the introduction of the new currency in the 1990s, were the starting point for the change. The control of inflation allowed companies to develop long-term plans and establish solid corporate strategies. See details below:

What are the main reasons that allowed Brazil to reach the current economy stage and the investment grade ranking?
We should highlight a series of factors, among them macroeconomic stability, the history of political continuity, the operating independence of the Central Bank and the maturity of the stock market. All of this guarantees Brazil a comfortable position and significant growth, even amidst international turbulence.

Where is the starting point of this panorama?
In the implementation of the Real Plan and in the introduction of the new currency, in 1994. Inflation at the time scared international investors and hampered any kind of planning. For nearly 15 years, the indicators have been completely under control.

What does the change announced by Standard & Poor’s represent in practical terms?
It represents the guarantee that the country is capable of paying its sovereign debt, which gives international investors peace of mind. In other words, investors realize that the country is capable of fulfilling commitments, maturity – with the permanence of the economic model –and the development of the economy in a stable environment.

Did Brazil's position in the face of the American crisis have any impact on the agency's decision?
Certainly. We have handled the problems of the United States and its affects on world well. There is no doubt that this is an endurance test for our economy.

Is it possible that the investment grade will help Rio 2016 candidacy?
I am sure it will. Above all, the elevation of the country’s grade is a kind of quality stamp. This assures a solid economy that permits long-term investments made with peace of mind.

Does Brazil’s foreign debt situation contribute to the stability?
Yes. The net external debt became negative with the increase in foreign exchange reserves. This means that Brazil has the funds to make payments, if it wants to. In other words, the assets in foreign currency are enough to pay all the external public debt.

Can we expect changes in Brazil’s economic scene?
We don't think that major changes will occur soon. Investment grade is more of an economic development factor aligned with excellent circumstances in the domestic market and strong demand from the foreign market. The ranking solidifies Brazil;s position as an excellent destination for long-term investments.

]]> http://www.rio2016.com.br/en/Entrevistas/Entrevista.aspx?idConteudo=520 5/8/2008 11:56:03 AM 520 Pan American Games Opening Ceremony Emmy Award nominees talk about their expectations The Opening Ceremony of the Pan American Games held in Rio de Janeiro in July 2007 at Maracanã stadium enchanted audiences as far as the United States, where the beauty and emotion of the show of lights, colors and sounds led to Emmy nominations in three categories: Costume Design/Styling, Set Decoration/Scenic Design and Lighting Direction.

In this interview, the leaders who organized the show discuss when they first heard the news and their expectations for 13 June, when the awards will be announced in New York. Carnival designer Rosa Magalhães, designer Luiz Stein, producer and ceremony general director Scott Givens (pictured with Leonardo Gryner, BOC marketing director and Alê Siqueira, musical director) and their teams are not so sure about winning, but are very proud.

How did you react to the news about the nominations?

Magalhães: At first, I couldn’t believe it. I called Luiz (Stein) to find out if it was really true. Even if we don’t get the award, we are already very proud. After all, together with the Oscar (cinema) and the Grammy (music), the Emmy is one of the most famous awards in the world.

Stein: It was a big surprise. I was hoping to make a big impression here in Brazil, and it happened. But I wasn’t expecting this fantastic international recognition. Taking part in such an important event was a great privilege for me.

Givens:I am truly honored that the Opening Ceremony for the 2007 Rio Pan American Games was nominated for three Emmy Awards. Since I had the opportunity to get to know the work of Rosa Magalhães and Luiz Stein, and our entire team – so creative - I’ve been telling everyone that our work was undoubtedly world class. It is a great thrill to see their work recognized. The Pan American ceremonies were a wonderful success and a once in a lifetime opportunity. I am thrilled to have been part of such a sensational team in such a successful event.

What made the ceremony so special?
Stein: It wasn’t just the excellence and the outstanding talent of the team, but also the combining of popular culture, samba and stage lighting within the spectacular setting of Maracanã, a true reference when it comes to major events in Rio de Janeiro.

Which was your favorite moment of the ceremony?

Magalhães: The beginning of the show, for example, when we could feel that it was actually about to start after so much expectation; the national anthem, which is always thrilling; Adriana Calcanhoto was a very intimate moment; and the emotion of seeing that everything was working perfectly. Even after much rehearsing, there’s always some anxiety.

Stein: Copacabana, one of the most original moments. It brought together so many beautiful elements and the choreography– taking inspiration from traveling theater companies – with the blue skirts representing the sea.

What can you tell us about the Brazilian team you worked with?

Givens: I am immensely proud of my team for their creativity, dedication and hard work. Everyone sacrificed a great deal in order to put on the best show possible for Rio and for Brazil, and they results were extraordinary. It was the spark of Brazilian passion that illuminated the spectacle on the 13th of July 2007. I will remember that night forever... And I will always be deeply grateful to the team that made it happen.

Are the nominations enough as recognition, or are prizes necessary?

Givens: In the entertainment industry, a nomination is already a significant honor. Luiz Stein, Rosa Magalhães and six members of the team were nominated by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. In our industry, Rosa and Luiz would often be introduced with the title Emmy Nominee. It is a rare and unique distinction. If we are so fortunate as to be awarded for our work, that would be extraordinary, but for now I am deeply honored by the nomination itself. The headlines in Rio the morning after our ceremony told us of the great success of the Opening Ceremony, but this honor is from our industry and elevates our work among our peers.

What are you hoping for? Do we stand a chance?

Stein: It’s hard to tell. Personally, I’ve already been nominated 13 times for MTV awards, and never won. Notwithstanding, despite the irony, I am flattered. I can only say that I’m really proud of being an Emmy nominee.

Magalhães: You always hope for the best. Do we have a chance? I don’t know. Let’s wait for it with elegance.

Here are the categories and names of Emmy Award nominees for the Opening Ceremony of the Pan American Games Rio 2007:

Outstanding Achievement in Costume Design/Styling (Rosa Magalhães and David Profeta)
Outstanding Achievement in Set Decoration/Scenic Design (Rosa Magalhães, Luiz Stein, Libby Hyland and Scott Givens)
Outstanding Achievement in Lighting Direction (Dave Grill, Laura Frank and Paul Sonnleitner)

]]> http://www.rio2016.com.br/en/Entrevistas/Entrevista.aspx?idConteudo=528 5/28/2008 2:52:32 PM 528 “Blended in the same connection” José Júnior is a key leaders and the executive coordinator of Grupo Cultural AfroReggae, which aims to transform and empower youth. Júnior has been with the group since it began in 1993. It is now recognized and is present throughout Brazil and abroad, and has evolved into four factions (Vigário Geral, Parada de Lucas, Cantagalo-Pavão-Pavãozinho and Complexo do Alemão), 14 artistic groups and 74 projects. AfroReggae celebrated its 15th birthday in June 2008, and at that time, Júnior declared his complete support for Rio’s bid to host the 2016 Olympic Games (click here to watch the video).

Júnior is among those who dream of hosting the world’s largest event in Latin America for the first time, a dream that is shared throughout Brazilian society. In this interview, Júnior discusses his belief in Rio’s ability to successfully stage large events, in its potential to act as a catalyst for integration and in the contribution of society and culture towards the success of the campaign.

What can you tell us about Rio’s bid to host 2016 Olympic Games?

Like any other Brazilian, I’m thrilled at the possibility. We would be given a chance of creating significant social and cultural legacies. It’s not just about the success we had with the Pan American Games and the success we will achieve with the FIFA World Cup 2014 that prompts me to say this. I truly believe in the potential of this city, state and country.

What are your views about Rio’s ability to integrate?

There are things here you can’t find anywhere else. Rio has places, like “Posto 6” on Ipanema Beach, for instance, where you can see people from the favelas mingling with the upper middle class and famous stars. Here we use a typical carioca expression: “We’re together and mixed.” Everyone is on the same wavelength, and connected. To me, the Games will be exactly that.

Would you agree that this comes from a typical carioca frame of mind?

Of course: it comes from creativity, flexibility, the ability to improvise. All this is exists in the social domain and is exported with our methodology that goes to other countries through our social technology, for example.

How does the exported methodology works?

There are no significant changes to what we do here. In most instances, the format is the same, but respecting the limits of each culture. Among others, we stage percussion, dance, theater and circus workshops, and we do musical performances and train disseminators to spread our message.

How is the group progressing internationally?

AfroReggae is developing projects in several countries including England, India, China, Germany and Colombia, among others, and people are quite impressed with the impact and speed of the results, the best of which come out of England, where we have been invited to set up social actions regarding the 2012 Olympic Games. We set up artistic performances, workshops in upscale and popular districts and we train people to disseminate our method. We go to London two or three times a year for two- to three-week visits.

What can you tell us about the AfroReggae participation in Rio 2016?

We still haven’t worked out the details, but of course we can help, give ideas. We must not forget that there exist many similar initiatives like Nós do Morro (a theater group from Morro do Vidigal), CUFA (Central Única das Favelas), Instituto Sou da Paz and others that could collaborate. I also feel that effective dialogue among the three levels of government is important, as is the creation of a bid supported by all of Brazil, in which the entire country shares the same dream. Perhaps we should consult thinkers and opinion-makers from all corners of the country to see how they can contribute.

How did AfroReggae participate in Rio 2007?

Actively. We greeted the delegations at the Pan American Village. We had nine groups performing as a welcome to the athletes, officials and technical commissions.

How do you feel about our chances of hosting the Games?

Rio has all it needs to deliver effiient Games, not just because of the gorgeous landscape, but because of the natural vocation it has in hosting large events like the 2007 Rio Pan American Games and the Rolling Stones show in Copacabana, one of the largest outdoor shows in the world.

What do you think are our strengths?

Besides the marvelous landscape, what differentiates us are our social and cultural virtues. We have the potential to be the best in tourism, entertainment, culture and the revitalization of the port area.

To close this interview, please tell us about the celebration of AfroReggae’s 15th anniversary.

We will have the ceremony during the ninth Orilaxé awards, on Wednesday at Rio de Janeiro Municipal Theater. The party will host 2,500 people of all races, classes, creeds and sexual preferences. The AfroReggae band will share the stage with Zeca Pagodinho, Olodum, Rappin Hood and Leandro Sapucahy. The repertoire includes John Lennon’s classic “Imagine,” played by AfroReggae with a Hare Krishna group and the Military Police’s 190 Band.

]]> http://www.rio2016.com.br/en/Entrevistas/Entrevista.aspx?idConteudo=548 7/1/2008 3:01:20 PM 548 Coach is honored in individual sports Nélio Moura’s successful sports career won him the Brazilian Olympic Committee’s prize for best coach in individual sports. The awards ceremony took place during the Brazilian Olympic Awards, held on 16 December at the Museum  of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro.

At the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, athletes trained by Moura dominated the long jump, winning two gold medals. The highlight for Brazil was the gold medal won by Maurren Maggi. Irving Saladino, a Panamanian athlete trained by Moura for four years in Brazil, won the first gold medal in the history of his country.

In 1992, Moura began training Maggi, who was 16 years old at the time. Moura has been a Brazilian national coach since 1990, and on his resume, the following competitions stand out: the Olympic Games (Sydney 2000, Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008); the Pan American Games (including the Youth and Under-23 Games); world championships; indoor world championships; and world youth championships. Moura has published more than 20 technical and scientific articles in specialist magazines, and has a Master’s degree in Human Performance.

What does it mean to be the coach of the first woman to win a gold medal in Brazilian track and field?

Maurren’s victory in Beijing was spectacular and also represented the high point of my career and that of my wife Tânia. Its uniqueness, however, wasn’t the most important thing for me. We had absolutely concrete and realistic goals. Seeing her performing at her best, at the most important moment of her sporting life, was indescribable.

What's it like to be named the Individual Sports Coach of the Year, the first time the prize has been given at the Brazilian Olympic Awards?

I’m very content to have had the honor of representing coaches in individual sports in the first year that this award was separated into individual and team coaching.” Normally, due to the characteristics of sport, collective sport coaches have a higher profile than ours. This initiative by COB can help to show the specific characteristics of the work done by individual coaches.

As a track and field coach, what is your assessment of the organization of the Rio 2007 Pan American Games?

The organization of the Rio 2007 Pan American Games was impeccable, from my point of view. Athletes and coaches had top-class facilities, which helped them strive for optimal performance.

What suggestions would you make so that the holding of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro stimulates the growth of sport in Brazil and in South America?

There’s still time to begin a major project to develop Olympic sport in Brazil and Latin America, which can bear fruit in 2016, although the greater results will come as of 2020. If Rio succeeds in its bid, this will serve as an engine to drive this project, which would enable sustainable development of sport in the region. The main thing is not to forget that it’s not enough to have world-class organization to prepare and stage the event: investment in training and preparing Olympic teams, and the effective use of venues after the Games, are factors that will determine the success of this initiative.

What do you expect for the Rio 2016 bid?

Going back to what I said earlier, I expect that we will demonstrate our capacity to host major events, but also to prepare sufficiently for them, and will build our capacity to use the Olympic venues to ensure the continued development of sport in Brazil.

How does a young athlete become interested in jumping events?

Role models – idols – are very important in winning over new athletes to the sport. Today, we have the greatest idol we could desire: a charismatic, victorious, determined  person, who has led an extraordinary and exemplary life, and who is genuinely interested in helping her medals “multiply.”

You are also coach for the Panamanian athlete Irving Saladino, who won his country’s first gold medal with a jump of 8.34m. What are the challenges in training a foreign athlete, and what was the sensation when you saw him win?

Irving is very similar to Brazilian athletes and, having lived in Brazil for more than four years, he was already completely adapted to life here. I also think that I know him as well as the other athletes I coach, so his nationality doesn’t impose any serious problems. The challenge was similar to that of Maurren: how to make real the possibility of winning a medal. It was only after the competition, seeing the celebrations in Panama via the internet that the enormity of his victory hit home.

What attributes are required to be a good track and field coach?

There is a series of prerequisites, but basically, if you want to be a good professional, you have to get the right training, and it has to be continual. You can’t stop studying. You need to have a grasp of science, and apply the best information available in your day-to-day work. There’s also a series of personal attributes that make up the “art” of the coach. If you can get a good balance between the arts and science, that helps.

How can sport serve as a tool for social inclusion?

I have always believed that sport educates and has a great power to transform. There are countless people whose lives were completely changed by sport, and most of these cases are anonymous. These are people who had the opportunity to study, who developed ethics and values, who socialized – in other words, who became real citizens and members of the community – through sport.

]]> http://www.rio2016.com.br/en/Entrevistas/Entrevista.aspx?idConteudo=726 1/28/2009 11:08:17 AM 726 “It would be incredible to compete in the Olympic Games in Rio". Marta Vieira da Silva began playing football at age 12, in her home city of Dois Riachos, Alagoas State. At 14, she moved to Rio de Janeiro, where she played for Vasco da Gama. She had soon collected a large number of awards: champion and top scorer in the Under-19 Women’s Brazilian Championship in 2001, fourth place in the 2003 Women’s World Cup, and two-time Pan American champion. Her most recent victory is her silver medal at Beijing 2008.

At just 22 years of age, the attacking mid-fielder has already scored a remarkable 191 goals in 189 matches, and after five seasons in Swedish football, she will now play in the most competitive national women’s championship in the world, the Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) league in the United State. Marta is part of the select group of players to have won the FIFA World Player of the Year title three times (along with Frenchman Zinedine Zidane, Germany’s Birgit Prinz and Brazil’s phenomenon, Ronaldo Nazário).

What is it like to be elected Player of the Year for the third time by FIFA?

It’s the same feeling as the first time! It has always been my goal to be the best in the world, and I strive for this every year.

What are your expectations for the Rio 2016 bid?

I’m very hopeful. I was talking with the organizers and found out that the competition is very tough. But I believe in Rio. It would be incredible to host an Olympic Games here.

You played for Vasco da Gama at the start of your career. What was it like to live in Rio de Janeiro?

It was a challenging period for me, but fundamental for my career. Rio will always be with me!

On the day of the women’s football final match in the 2016 Olympic Games, you will have turned 30. Before then, what are your personal goals, and what do you imagine will happen in Brazilian women’s football?

Well, imagining is not enough; you have to make things happen. By 2016, I would like to have won an Olympic gold and a world championship with the Brazilian national team.

The Brazilian women’s football team did spectacularly well. How did it feel to win a silver medal at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games?

It was the second consecutive time that we didn’t win gold, but we came to the conclusion that we really are winners.

Tell us about your childhood in Alagoas. What motivated you to play football and embark on a career in the sport?

It was a good childhood, but difficult for my mother. She worked hard to put food on the table. Today, everything that I achieve is because of her and for her.

Sweden and the USA are two very different countries. After five seasons in Sweden, how do you see your move to the Los Angeles Sol in the States?

I hope to be able to help and promote women’s football in the USA, and also to help my team win titles.

Women’s football is becoming more and more popular, especially after Brazil’s victories. Do you believe that the sport can serve as a tool for social inclusion?

Definitely. There are no social differences on the pitch. We are the same. We love sport. We are white, black, slender, strong. We are the same because football is our life.

What advice would you give young people who dream of a career in football?

Never give up on your dreams.

]]> http://www.rio2016.com.br/en/Entrevistas/Entrevista.aspx?idConteudo=740 2/13/2009 4:45:09 PM 740 Sandra Pires: perseverance and determination Carioca (native of Rio de Janeiro) Sandra Pires, partnering Jacqueline Silva, won gold at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, the first year that beach volleyball was an Olympic sport. Four years later, teaming up with Adriana, she won bronze at the 2000 Sydney Games. She embarked on her career in volleyball at the age of 14. Two years later, she migrated from volleyball to beach volleyball, where she stands out for her speed, positioning and technique.

She was elected by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) woman beach volleyball player of the 1990s, and is three-time champion of the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour. In February, at the age of 35, she won her third Brazilian Queen of the Beach title, on Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro.

Your beach volleyball partnership with Jacqueline was responsible for winning Brazil’s first Olympic gold medal for women. What did this represent for the country’s sportswomen?

I believe it was very important. It was a breakthrough, a starting point. Women began to believe that they can succeed with hard work. It was a gift for all women and served to motivate female athletes of all sports. I remember that various women got out of their cars to celebrate with us during the victory parade. It was an important moment for us and all women in Brazil.

What are your expectations for Rio de Janeiro’s bid to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games?

I think it is marvelous. We have to believe that we are capable. We are a receptive and hard-working people and we can produce a beautiful Olympic Games. All of us must unite: the government authorities together with the people. With the Games here, Brazil will be better known and respected internationally.

How will Rio de Janeiro benefit from holding the 2016 Games?

Sport will help greatly to improve the country, with the facilities that will remain as a legacy for the city, and which will be used in programs involving school and university students. I believe in this union between sport and education. With the Games in Rio, these young people will be able to get close to their idols.

The improvement in transport will be a major legacy. Education in traffic will also be very beneficial, given that, as in all countries that host the Games, there are exclusive lanes for official vehicles. Another benefit is the team work that will be involved.

How does it feel to be the first three-time winner of the Queen of the Beach title, competing against younger athletes?

My maturity and equilibrium helped me a lot. I was competing against younger women who wanted to win. I’d already gone through this 11 times before and made the most of all my experience. My physical fitness was another advantage.

It was at the beginning of the season, a time when many athletes are over their optimum weight because of the vacations. I don’t put on weight during vacations; I took advantage of this. I managed to handle my tiredness and the heat, and I didn’t make the mistakes made by some athletes who were there for the first time. I feel proud!

Some of the girls said, “I want to be like that when I’m 35!”

What advice can you give to athletes who would like to go professional?

Never give up. It’s not an easy path. You have to always believe in yourself and give it your best. Dedication and equilibrium are fundamental. Young athletes should always be looking out for opportunities and useful information. It’s important to know how to talk and negotiate.

 

]]> http://www.rio2016.com.br/en/Entrevistas/Entrevista.aspx?idConteudo=760 3/5/2009 6:31:39 PM 760