After an excellent year in 2016, including two Olympic finals, Flávia Saraiva and Rebeca Andrade face their first international challenge of the year, alongside the Brazilian artistic gymnastics team. The Flamengo athletes travel to Italy this Wednesday (March 29.03) to represent their country, and the "Mais Querido" (Most Beloved), in the Trofeo Citta di Jesolo.
The two young gymnasts were in Curitiba, Paraná, for the past two weeks, preparing for the competition under the watchful eye of the Brazilian Gymnastics Confederation (CBG). Rebeca, Brazilian team and individual all-around champion for Flamengo in 2016, commented on her preparations and expectations for the first international event of the year.
"These last two weeks of training have been very intense. Preparing for the competition is very important and I really hope everything goes well. We trained well, we did the evaluation, everyone did well, they tried hard, and we're going to do our best," said the athlete.
The Trofeo Citta di Jesolo takes place this coming weekend (01 and 02.04) and will feature the participation of representatives from the United States, Russia, France, Canada, Belgium, Brazil and Italy.
The Flamengo Regatas Club's artistic gymnastics teams receive funding from their sponsors—AmBev, Rede D'or, IRB Brasil RE, CSN, Brasil Plural, and EY—via the Federal Incentive Law/Ministry of Sports (IR), as well as support from the Brazilian Club Committee (CBC) through the decentralization of resources from the Pelé Law. The Flamengo Guardian Angel Project, a personal tax transfer, benefits all Olympic sports of the Most Beloved Club.