By Tom Degun

Brazilian Paralympic Committee logoMay 23 - The Brazilian Paralympic Committee (CPB) have signed a formal partnership with the Brazilian Confederation of Snow Sports (CBDN) in São Paulo to develop Paralympic winter sports in the county ahead of Sochi 2014


The agreement was signed by CPB President Andrew Parsons and CBDN President Stefano Arnhold.

It will see the CPB provide financial support to the Paralympic initiatives of the CBDN.

Brazil is one of the rising powers in the Summer Paralympics having finished seventh in the medal table at London 2012, while they are aiming for a top five spot at home at Rio 2016.

But they have never competed at the Winter Paralympics.

Parsons hopes that will change with the new funding boost, with Brazil looking to make their debut at Sochi 2014.

Snowboarder André Cintra and skier Fernando Aranha are the two Brazilian winter sport athletes most likely to qualify for the Games in Russia.

"Brazil is taking its first steps in forming a National Paralympic team for the Sochi 2014 Games, in Russia," he said.

"We are setting a new course, creating another opportunity for people with disabilities in our country to practice high performance sports.

"The first goal is to classify André Cintra and Fernando Aranha for the Games and demonstrate that it can be done.

"Next we will need to attract more athletes to winter sports and further develop ourselves.

"We will develop some actions in partnership with the CBDN.

"With the funding we will be able to provide specific guidance on the international Paralympic movement and share our expertise in the Paralympic Games, to expand our participation in Pyeongchang 2018."

Andre Cintra snowboardingSnowboarder André Cintra is hoping to become the first Brazilian to compete in the Paralympics at Sochi 2014

Arnhold has also welcomed the funding.

"I'm sure that the partnership will be very successful," he said.

"Those who follow the development of the CPB know what I am talking about.

"It is a pleasure to be here with the CPB."

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