Sao Paulo wins 2016 Brazilian School Paralympics

“I performed the best I could, did everything I expected to do and left as a champion.”

The state of Sao Paulo has won the 2016 Brazilian School Paralympics for the fourth time, having finished top in 2009, 2011 and 2015.

Santa Catarina and Rio de Janeiro were second and third respectively in the table.

This year’s edition took place at the Brazilian Paralympic Training Centre in the city of Sao Paulo, and featured 903 athletes, ages 12-17, representing 24 states and competing across eight sports: athletics, boccia, football 7-a-side, goalball, judo, swimming, table tennis and wheelchair tennis.

“Only one delegation won, but all 903 participants will return to their homes as winners,” said Brazilian Paralympic Committee (CPB) President and International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Vice President Andrew Parsons.

“Without any doubts, we had a very good generation competing here this year.”

Amongst the athletes who helped Sao Paulo win the title was wheelchair tennis player Joao Takaki, who sealed the men’s singles category A title.

“I performed the best I could, did everything I expected to do and left as a champion.”

Following a voting between the members of the delegations, Santa Catarina received the ‘Fraternization Trophy,’ given to the delegation that showed most sporting spirit and excitement.

Champions per year

2009 – Sao Paulo

2010 – Rio de Janeiro

2011 – Sao Paulo

2012 – Rio de Janeiro

2013 – Rio de Janeiro

2014 – Santa Catarina

2015 – Sao Paulo

2016 - Sao Paulo

The Brazilian Paralympic Training Centre in Sao Paulo will also host the Youth Parapan American Games from 20-25 March 2017.

More information can be found on the CPB’s website.