Brazil rounds off Pan Am Games in third place

Brazil completed its Pan American Games campaign Sunday (July 26) in Toronto ranked third in the medals count. The country retained its ranking from the previous two editions of the event in Mexico (2011) and Rio (2007). Brazilian athletes are bringing home a total 41 gold, 40 silver, and 60 bronze medals from Toronto 2015, behind only the United States and Canada.

In a statement, President Dilma Rousseff said that Brazil “showed strength and determination in Canada.” She pointed out that out of the total 141 medals won this year, 121 were earned by athletes sponsored by the government. “Athletes holding grants from the Ministry of Sport accounted for over 70% of Brazil's delegation to Toronto. I'm sure we'll reap even more at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro next year.”

“We're committed to supporting sport and we know that it can really bring about change,” the president said. She also wished good luck to the athletes who will be competing in the Parapan American Games starting in two weeks in Toronto.

The closing event for Brazilian athletes in Toronto 2015 was the men's volleyball final against Argentina, which earned Brazil a silver medal. One sure highlight in Brazil's last-day campaign was a gold medal on men's basketball beating Canada 86-71.

Brazil also won its first bowling gold with Marcelo Suartz beating Venezuela's Amleto Monacelli at the final. Men's handball added more gold by beating Argentina 29-27 in extra time, echoing the women's team who had secured its own gold against Argentina.

Translated by Mayra Borges