Flamengo experienced a historic night this Tuesday. The first female president in the 114-year history of Brazil's most beloved club was sworn in before a packed and confident crowd. Patrícia Amorim, a former swimmer and great benefactor of the club, was elected on the 7th and will lead the Red-Blacks for the next three years. With a moving speech, based on her passion for the club but also emphasizing the importance of professionalism, she drew applause from those present at the ceremony and left the club hopeful for 2010.

A former athlete and leader deeply connected with the club and its fans, Patrícia celebrated her consecration tonight. After achieving many positive results in the pool and also in her office as vice president of Olympic Sports, she had already announced that she would run for and win the election for president of Flamengo. It was no surprise. This Tuesday, she signed the term of office and officially became the highest authority of the country's most popular club. Visibly moved, she promised even better days for the club.

"May my Flamengo heart beat in each of you so that we can lead Flamengo to the greatness it deserves. I thank everyone who trusted in the ability of our work. I always said I would win the election, and I'm saying that Flamengo will be greater than it is today. We will achieve this. My commitment is to manage Flamengo professionally, with great transparency," said Patrícia to a Noble Hall packed with fans, managers, former athletes, and advisors, united in wishing the new president good luck.

The ceremony was attended by illustrious figures from the sports world, including Dr. João Havelange, honorary president of FIFA; athletes Diego and Daniele Hypolito, Jade, Virna, Leila, Mariana Brochado, Luisa Parente; and coaches Andrade, Letícia Pessoa, and Georgette Vidor. Among the artists present were actors Marcelo Serrado and Heitor Martinez. Former Flamengo president Marcio Braga handled the transition smoothly and emotionally. After six years at the helm of the club, he said goodbye, making himself available to the new president for whatever she needs.

During the ceremony, Patrícia took the opportunity to announce new vice presidents for key positions within the club. She actually held one of them: vice president of rowing. Michel Levy is the new vice president of administration. Former athlete Cristina Callou will take over as head of Olympic Sports. Marcos Braz will remain as director of football. Antônio Henrique de Paula Brandão will now be in charge of marketing, and Rafael de Pino will be the general attorney.

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Patricia Amorim
December 7th will be remembered in the glorious history of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo. For the first time in its 114-year history, a woman will occupy the presidency of the club. Patrícia was elected with a total of 792 votes and will lead the club for the next three years (2010/2011/2012).

From the pools, where she represented the colors of Brazil and the red-and-black flag, to the presidency: this is how former swimmer Patrícia Amorim, 40, sums up her career at Gávea. Married and mother of four, Patrícia Amorim joined the CRF lamengo in 1977 and won 28 Brazilian titles, breaking 85 national records, 180 state records, and 29 South American records. Representing the CRF and Brazil at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games, Patrícia Amorim broke a 12-year drought without female Brazilian swimming in the Olympics.

Unanimously elected 2nd secretary of the legislative house, Patrícia Amorim is in her third term as councilor, where she is the legitimate representative of sport in the Rio de Janeiro City Council (CMRJ).