There Are Three Judo Winners of Prêmio Brasil Olímpico
Mayra Aguiar, Layana Colman and Francisco Perceu Lima were awarded at the Brazilian sports gala.
The judo was one of the big winners of Prêmio Brasil Olímpico, organized by the Olympic Committee of Brazil, on Tuesday, December 16th, at the Municipal Theater in Rio de Janeiro. The sport got three awards: Mayra Aguiar (Sogipa / RS), world champion in 2014, was voted the best judoka of the year; Layana Colman (Judo Clube Rocha / MS), gold-winner in the individual and silver in mixed teams in the Youth Olympic Games, got a trophy for these medals; and Francisco Perceu Lima (Acopajam / AM), heavyweight champion in the Youth School Games 15 to 17 years old, was voted the best athlete of the competition. The ceremony was watched by several judo personalities such as President Paulo Wanderley Teixeira; the Performance Director Ney Wilson; the twice world champion and federal deputy João Derly; the coaches Rosicleia Campos and Danusa Shira, the sports vice-president from Sogipa Alexander Algeri, as well as judo fellows like Marcelo Contini and Barbara Timo.
The award of "The Most Supported Athlete" and "Athlete of the Year" in women, which Mayra Aguiar also competed for, went to Flavia Saraiva (artistic gymnastics) and to the pair Martine Grael and Kahena Kunze (sailing). Arthur Zanetti was elected once again the best athlete of the year among men. The Prêmio Brasil Olímpico represented a magnificent end of the Brazilian sports year. Besides the athletes and ex-Olympic athletes of different types of sports, the ceremony was attended by the President of the BOC and the Organizing Committee of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, Carlos Arthur Nuzman; the Minister of Sports Aldo Rebelo; the governor of Rio de Janeiro, Luiz Fernando Pezão; the vice-president of the International Olympic Committee and president of the Rio 2016 Coordination Commission, Nawal El Moutawakel; as well as presidents of Brazilian Olympic Confederations, among other personalities.
" Prêmio Brasil Olímpico highlights the exceptional campaign run by Brazilian athletes this year. Together with the Brazilian Olympic Confederations and the Ministry of Sports, we are building a history of great results. Today, at this ceremony, we are celebrating the evolution of the Brazilian sport, " Nuzman said.
One of the most exciting moments of the Prêmio Brasil Olímpico 2014 was the award of the Most Supported Athlete. The announcement of Flávia Saraiva’s victory was made by the former gymnast Lais Souza, who is back to Brazil after almost a year off due to an injury. Lais received a standing ovation by everybody who was present.
"Thank you all. I am very thrilled to be with you at this special night. I want to thank all those who are helping me and who have been praying for me all this time. It's great to be back to Brazil, " Lais said.
The 16th edition of the Prêmio Brasil Olímpico awarded also the marathon runner Vanderlei Cordeiro de Lima with the Adhemar Ferreira da Silva Trophy, which represents the ethical, sports and moral values of Adhemar’s way. There were also given awards to the coaches of the year: Morten Soubak (handball) and Jesus Morlan (speed boating), and last but not least, to the Best Athletes of Youth School Games.
