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Posted on 05/24/2022 16:50

With an investment of R$ 5.5 million from the Federal Government, Brazil shines at Gymnasiade

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Forty-five golds, 45 silvers and 36 bronzes, for a total of 126 medals. The Brazilian delegation closed the Gymnasiade, in France, with a historic campaign and in the vice-leadership of the general framework of achievements. The title went to the hosts, who totaled 130 podiums and 51 gold medals. The school sports competition brought together 3,400 athletes from 69 countries and ended on Sunday (22/05), in the Normandy region. The national team embarked with 230 representatives from 22 Federative Units and played in 20 modalities. Dozens are members of the Bolsa Atleta, an individual sponsorship program by the Federal Government.

 

The largest delegation in the history of the country in the competition traveled supported by a Term of Promotion of R$ 5.5 million from the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Citizenship destined to the Brazilian Confederation of School Sports (CBDE).

 

Brazil still left the competition with the Gymnasiade fairplay trophy, an award intended for the delegation considered the friendliest and that receives more attention from the other participants. "Brazil, in addition to being very strong in sports, as shown by our expressive result, is also the most beloved. This means that we are fulfilling the role of preaching peace, unity, tolerance, and contributing to the formation of citizenship of these young people and for building a better world", said Antônio Hora Filho, president of CBDE.

 

 

 

champion inspiration

Ulianópolis is a city with an estimated 62,000 inhabitants in the interior of Pará, about 400km from Belém. A municipality that does not have an official athletics track, but which is the birthplace of a long-distance runner who enchanted Normandy during the Gymnasiade. Elias Santos was born from Ulianópolis, a 17-year-old athlete measuring 1.82m who won gold in the 800m sprint in athletics.

 

A member of the Federal Government's Bolsa Athlete International category, he closed the 800m in 1min50s38, the best mark of his career, which already includes U-18 national titles and South American gold in relay. The time was worth the index for the U-20 World Cup, which will be held in Cali, Colombia, in the second half.

 

“It's gratifying to come from a small town, in the countryside, to represent Brazil in a World Cup of this level and to come out with the title. It's Pará's first gold medal in athletics in an event of this level”, was proud of the distance runner, who was one of the flag bearers of the delegation at the opening ceremony.

 

The first steps came early, around the age of six, influenced by his parents, who were also sportsmen. Elias usually trains on a 1,000-meter circuit in his town's central square, and he doesn't hesitate when someone asks about his inspiration and example.

 

“Joaquim Cruz is my inspiration. Yesterday, my final was based on his strategy for the gold he won at the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984. I did the first 400m in the peloton and saved everything for the last 200m. I took off in the final 120 meters and arrived in one piece, doing a little dance”, said the long-distance runner, who will still be part of the Brazilian relay.

 

Elias had an unexpected surprise when he returned to the hotel. “I had a Whatsapp message from Joaquim Cruz congratulating me on the result. I was kind of out of action. It was sensational,” he said.

 

When consulted by the report, the Olympic champion did not measure praise for the new talent. “Elias texted me in February to introduce himself and ask if we could talk. I called, talked to him and his father. Since then, I have followed his competitions. He is an outgoing, confident, dedicated and eager to improve tomorrow boy. I am delighted to help in any way,” said Joaquim Cruz.