British Royalty Marks Paralympics Deal in Belo Horizonte

(ATR) Prince Harry was in Belo Horizonte Tuesday as an agreement was inked to make the Brazilian city the centre of training for the British Paralympic Association (BPA) ahead of Rio 2016.

The BPA chose the capital of the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais as Paralympics GB training base for Rio.

Following major accessibility upgrades, the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), the state’s top university, and Minas Tênis Clube will be the main pre-Games training centers for the athletes in the build-up to the Games.

The MoU was signed today by BPA chief executive Tim Hollingsworth, city mayor Marcio Lacerda, and state governor Alberto Pinto Coelho along with heads of the two venues. The BOA struck a similar agreement last year to make the city Team GB’s training base.

Today’s agreement was made in the presence of Prince Harry who earlier took part in rugby, basketball, and judo activities with local children at the Minas Tênis Clube.

"I am delighted that the BPA has formed such a close partnership with the city of Belo Horizonte," he said.

"London 2012 was a fantastic success and the Paralympic Games has moved on to a new level of excellence and excitement. The BPA is keen to build on this incredible legacy and I have no doubt that, through the partnerships announced today, the Paralympics GB team will be best prepared for Rio 2016."

Belo Horizonte mayor Marcio Lacerda said the city was honored the BPA had chosen Belo Horizonte as a pre-Games training base.

"We are currently in the middle of one of the most important moments in our history with the 2014 FIFA World Cup and today’s signing. Alongside the agreement with the BOA, this demonstrates that our city is making its name in the global sporting scene," he said.

"As a result of these major sporting events, we are able to create a lasting legacy that will benefit our city and our people. Working with the BPA, we have already taken a great step by upgrading our sports and accommodation facilities, making them more accessible to those with disabilities."

The signing took place alongside a Global Players seminar, organized by the British Consulate in Brazil, which brought together senior representatives from British and Brazilian businesses to share perceptions of both markets and explore new business opportunities. It was held ahead of England’s final World Cup match against Costa Rica in Belo Horizonte later in the day.

Belo Horizonte is a one-hour flight from Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and the country’s capital Brasilia. The optimal year-round temperatures and first-class facilities make it an ideal location for sports training and preparation. Belo Horizonte is currently hosting the national teams from Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay, who are taking part in the FIFA World Cup.

Written by Mark Bisson

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