The Clube de Regatas do Flamengo will have a very special representative competing in the Pre-Selection that will define the representatives of the Brazilian Adaptive Rowing Team for the 2008 Paralympic Games.

André Mello de Souza, 28, was called up by the CBR (Brazilian Rowing Confederation) to compete in the Pre-Selection, which will take place between December 14th and 16th in São Paulo. The CRFlamengo rower will attempt to qualify for the Skiff – Arm event (only the arms can move), in which Brazil has not yet guaranteed a place.

Last September, the red-black team secured first place in the Marines' Regatta, showing that it had the conditions to be among those called up and represent Brazil in the best possible way.

On that occasion, André was joined by his Club partner, Hermano Soares Barroso, who won the silver medal, making it a red-black double on the podium.

Recently, André was a reserve for the Brazilian team that competed in the Adaptive Rowing World Championships in Munich (Germany) 2007.

Photo: André receives assistance from Adriana Vidal.