Five things to do in Sao Paulo

With 50 days to go until the fourth Youth Parapan American Games, here are five reasons why you should visit the Brazilian city. 29 Jan 2017
Imagen
Brazilian Paralympic Centre

Aerial photo of the Brazilian Paralympic Centre in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

ⒸBrazilian Paralympic Committee
By IPC

With 50 days to go until the fourth Youth Parapan American Games, check out five things you should do in Sao Paulo, Brazil, the most populous city in the Americas.

1. The stunning Ibirapuera Park, the biggest green space in Sao Paulo, is a must-see touristic attraction if you want to practice sports, enjoy a walk and great food, or visit the Museum of Modern Art, which includes the work of some of the world’s most renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso and Joan Miro.

2. Popular for its nightlife, the Paulista Avenue is one of the busiest and most important avenues in Sao Paulo. It is packed with movie theaters, shopping malls and cafes.

3. If you are a football fan, the Football Museum is the perfect place for you. It looks back at Brazil’s rich football history through its outstanding collection of photos. It is located under the stands of the Pacaembu Stadium, home of Corinthians, Palmeiras, Sao Paulo and Santos, four of the country´s biggest teams.

4. Downtown Sao Paulo is located in the city centre and includes many historical sites such as the famous church Mosteiro de Sao Bento, the Julio Prestes Cultural Centre and the Municipal Theatre, amongst others.

5. The famous Mercadao is Sao Paulo´s Municipal Market and the ideal place to taste some of the best Brazilian dishes. You cannot leave the city without having tried the delicious feijoada or the pao de queijo.

Around 1,000 athletes, aged 12-20 years old, from 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.