Brazil to Kick Off First Stage of National Circuit

More than 600 athletes will compete in Athletics, Swimming and Powerlifting events this weekend in San Paulo, Brazil, as a part of the first stage of the Brazilian National Circuit.

The Circuit is an opportunity to see how Brazilian athletes fare before they head to compete on the big stage in November’s Parapan Games in Guadalajara and next summer’s Paralympic Games in London.

The results from this weekend will actually count toward placement for the Parapan Games.

Brazil has shown great strides in all three aforementioned sports during the last year.

Its Swimming delegation garnered 26 total medals at the 2010 International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Swimming World Championships in Eindhoven, the Netherlands.

The Brazilian Athletics squad took third place overall in January’s 2011 IPC Athletics World Championships in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Meanwhile, Brazil’s Josilene Alves finished in fourth place at the 2010 Powerlifting World Championships in Malaysia.