The Brazilian Paralympic canoe-kayak team reached the podium three times on Wednesday the 10th, the first day of the sport’s Parapan American Championships, contested until Friday the 12th, in Halifax, Canada.

Luís Carlos Cardoso of Piauí won gold in the 200m KL1, for canoeists who only use their arms to paddle. Mari Santilli of Paraná won silver in the 200m VL3, an event for athletes who use the arms, trunk and legs in rowing. Finally, Giovane Vieira, also from Paraná, won bronze, in the same 200m VL3, but in the men’s category.

“I am happy to have won gold and to have come home with another medal. It is always wonderful to carry the Brazilian flag to the highest place on the podium. I would like to thank all Brazilians for the cheers and vibrations. When we paddle , we are not alone We are with you”, underlined Luís, who, at the Worlds, also held in Halifax, last week, won silver.

The Parapan-Americano is Mari’s second canoe competition – previously she only competed in kayak events. At Worlds last week, the curitibana debuted in the VL3 class and won bronze. “I gained more experience with the canoe and now I won the silver. I had to make an exchange during the test, which I’m still not used to, and I lost the dispute there. It’s a learning experience,” said the woman from Paraná. The gold went to Canadian Erica Scarff. The American Jillian Elwart, bronze, completes the podium.

In the men’s 200m VL3, Giovane finished the course in 49s74 and won bronze in a close fight against Chilean Arturo Edwards. He came second with a time of 49.73, one hundredth below the Brazilian. Argentinian Ariel Atamanuk was the champion of the race (48s02).

Photo: Publicity/CBCa

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