Paralympic torch lit in Brasilia

Visiting all Brazilian regions before the Paralympics Rio 2016 official opening ceremony, on September 7, the Paralympic torch relay began this Thursday (Aug. 25) with a ceremony at the Planato palace, the presidential office.

Beside Paralympic athletes, organizers, and members of the Brazilian Paralympic Committee (CPB), interim President Michel Temer lit the torch from a special lantern holding the Olympic flame. After lighting it, Temer handed it to athlete Yohansson do Nascimento Ferreira.

Although the torch relay will only be run at the beginning of September, the flame was lit today because if suspended President Dilma Rousseff’s ouster is confirmed in the next few days, Temer plans to attend G20 summit in China and meet with international investors. In his address at today's ceremony, the interim president confirmed his intention to attend the Paralympics opening ceremony in Maracanã stadium.

Brazilian Paralympic Committee boss Andrew Parsons defended that the federal government’s financial contributions are necessary to help cover the expenses of the organization. "I find it inconceivable that they do not see it as an investment. In a country with 45 million people with disabilities, [the criticism about] the government’s decision to [financially] support an event that is a catalyst for change, which transforms the conception of society, it seems absurd to me."

In total, 41 Paralympic athletes attended the ceremony at Planalto palace. Other competitors are doing their training and preparing themselves for the event in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.

The ceremony was also attended by representatives from organizations like Pestalozzi Association in Brasilia, which offers free care to people with disabilities and their families.

With 21 arenas, 23 sports and 528 competitions, the Paralympics Rio 2016 will receive athletes from 176 countries from September 7 to 18. After announcing the largest team of its history, the Brazilian government aims to finish in the top 5 in the medals table.

Before receiving the Paralympic torch, Yohanson do Nascimento responded the challenge: "We will achieve this goal. We will leave the flame burning, with positive thoughts, making Brazilian people very proud. I have no doubt that in a while you will be listening to the Brazilian National Anthem every day as we reach the top of the podium," he said.

Translated by Amarílis Anchieta