Thiago Pereira talks Para sports and Sao Paulo 2017

Brazilian Olympic swimmer Thiago Pereira participated in a training camp with Para swimmers at the Brazilian Paralympic Centre, where this year´s Youth Parapan American Games will take place, and shared his excitement with 50 days to go until Sao Paulo 2017.

The 31-year-old believes the Youth Parapans will be fundamental in expanding the Paralympic Movement in his country.

“It is another chance we have to continue developing Para sports in Brazil and also an opportunity for young athletes to emerge and get involved with the Movement,” said Pereira, who won silver in the men´s 400m individual medley at the London Olympics, in 2012.

As for the training camp, the Brazilian swimmer believes it was a unique opportunity for both able-bodied and Para athletes to exchange experiences.

“It was fantastic!” he said. “First, because it was unprecedented. But also because swimmers with and without impairment had the opportunity to practice together.

“It was more than just a swimming camp, and I am sure it was inspiring for everyone involved.”

After visiting the Brazilian Paralympic Centre in Sao Paulo, which is one of the main legacies of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, Pereira said it is absolutely “fantastic.”

But there are other less tangible but equally important legacies of Latin America´s first Paralympics, such as “overcoming discrimination barriers and giving people with impairment the respect and the opportunity they deserve,” as stated by Pereira.

“Both Rio Olympics and Paralympics were huge and a proof that our country is capable of organising big events. We will build on Rio 2016's success and hopefully bring more events to the country in the future.”

Pereira also has a message for the young Para athletes who will launch their careers at Sao Paulo 2017 hoping to one day reach the Paralympic Games.

“There is no secret to success. You have to practice and keep striving every day to become the best athlete you can and make your dreams come true,” he said.

Around 1,000 athletes, aged 12-20 years old, from more than 20 countries are expected to participate in the fourth Youth Parapan Ams, with 12 sports being contested: athletics, boccia, football 5, football 7, goalball, judo, powerlifting, sitting volleyball, swimming, table tennis, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair tennis.

The last edition of the Youth Parapan Ams was held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in October 2013, attracting more than 600 athletes from 16 countries, who competed across 10 sports. Brazil topped the medal table and 15 countries reached the podium at least once.

Barquisimeto, Venezuela, staged the inaugural edition in 2005, with athletes from 10 countries competing, whilst a total of 14 countries attended the event in Bogota, Colombia, in 2009.