Brazil’s women head into the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games with high hopes.
Under the new leadership of head coach Wilson Correa, Brazil have made three changes from the team that finished 10th at the 2018 World Championships in Hamburg, Germany. Gabriela Oliviera, Debora Costa, and Adrienne De Souza come into the team.
Wilson Correa, who will make his major international debut as head coach in Lima, said:
“The team has had a great evolution. We have had friendly games against the men's team which has allowed us to grow.”
The Lima 2019 Parapan American Games will act as the zonal qualification tournament for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and there are only two places up for grabs in the women’s competition.
Brazil will need to improve on their bronze medal finish at the 2015 Parapan Am Games, which took place in Toronto, if they are to take one of the two qualifying spots. With strong teams competing in Lima, Correa knows it will be a difficult task, but is still confident of their chances:
“We know the United States and Canada will be the main contenders for the title, because they are traditional teams and have a winning history in the sport, technically very strong.
“Our main aim is to claim the title as we are super prepared.”
As hosts, Brazil finished in their highest ever position at a Paralympic Games in seventh position in Rio 2016, and they would really like the chance to compete at the next Paralympic Games to continue their growth.
Débora Costa, who returns to the team after missing out for the 2018 World Championships, said:
“I’m very happy to be selected. Every athlete who trains in a high-performance sport dreams of representing their country in a competition of this level. The main goal is that we can win all the big matches to reach our goal of being champion.”
Brazil Women’s Team Roster for Lima 2019
[Converted Table to List]
Visit the Confederação Brasileira de Basquetebol em Cadeira de Rodas for more information on the Brazilian Women’s team.
To follow the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games stay tuned to the event page.
