Brazil’s Bullock excited about #ProudParalympian

“I think it is very important that athletes learn more about the Movement and understand the meaning behind the Paralympic values,”

Brazil’s Samanta Bullock has revealed her excitement for being part of the re-launch of Proud Paralympian at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

Proud Paralympian is the International Paralympic Committee’s athlete education programme that aims to help athletes be the best they can be at all stages of their career, from competition into retirement.

The programme is made for athletes, by athletes and aims to empower them by providing knowledge and resources that help them develop during and after their sporting career.

Bullock, a former wheelchair tennis player, is one of the Proud Paralympian Leaders that will promote the initiative in the Athletes’ Village at Rio 2016.

There will be giveaways, interesting activities and lots of ways for athletes to tell the world they are proud to be a Paralympian.

“I am very excited to be involved [with Proud Paralympian], especially as the Games are in my home country,” she said.

Proud Paralympian has three main areas - Know it! Live it! Share it! - which cover lots of topics such as anti-doping, knowing and sharing the Paralympic values and how athletes can successfully promote themselves.

“I think it is very important that athletes learn more about the Movement and understand the meaning behind the Paralympic values,” Bullock said.

“Athletes will gain a broader understanding of the Movement and especially the role that they can play in promoting Paralympic sport and the underpinning values.”

Among the three areas, Bullock also has her favourite one. “Sharing is the most important one so that you can disseminate knowledge and life experiences to people inside and outside the Paralympic family,” she said.

“The Paralympic values resonate in all aspects of my life as I aim to raise awareness of impairments and to increase the opportunities available to impaired people in all facets of their life,” she said.

The Brazilian-British dual citizen, who won silver in doubles at the Rio 2007 Parapan American Games, managed her transition to her career after sports very well.

“I am now a raw food expert with a YouTube channel in Portuguese called ‘Cozinha Viva Sam’ promoting healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle. I also do some modelling and acting to complement this work.”

Bullock’s way of mastering her life is why she is perfect to be at the forefront of raising awareness of Proud Paralympian in Rio.

“I saw it as an opportunity to give back to the Movement and to learn new skills whilst meeting other people with similar aspirations,” Bullock said. “I love the chance to share my experiences and encourage more people to get involved and do the same.”

Are you a Proud Paralympian?

Ahead of the official relaunch at Rio 2016 take a look at the new video for Proud Paralympian, or visit the Proud Paralympian pages of Paralympic.org and find out more about the IPC Athletes’ Council.

You can start by checking out the candidate profiles for the Athletes’ Council elections and who you might like to vote for.

You can also follow Proud Paralympian on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and change your profile picture to show that you are a #ProudParalympian.

And do not forget to visit the Proud Paralympian area in the Athlete Dining Hall at Rio 2016 where you can find out more.