Brazilians offer Norte Americanos a major meet
Yes, they have masters track Down Under. And I’m talking about South America, where their track season is topsy-turvy like the Aussies’ and Kiwis’. Phil Raschker sent me this link to the South American Masters Athletics Championships set for November 3-11 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Although the site doesn’t explicitly say non-South Americans are invited, I’m assuming they are if Phil sends me info. That’s been an issue with the European masters championships — which are closed to Americans.
Housing options also are listed. And the site says: “The Organizing Commission has blocked 1,204 beds at the following establishments.” The prices apparently are listed in the real, the Brazilian currency. According to one currency converter, $25 Brazilian is worth $10.90 USA, so the rates look great!
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The website is translated from Brazilian Portuguese into Spanish, French, and English, and I did not find anything in the English languare site which indicated that it was closed to non-south americans. I would be very surprised if it is. The European Championship has grown very large which may account for its being closed to non-Europeans. I would be surprised to see such large numbers in Rio. As for the housing, my impression is that one would have to go through one’s national association to gain entrance into the housing listed on the site. That leaves out any US competitors! The prices listed are very inexpensive and mainly such things as hostels and the site makes is clear that they are trying to keep the costs low to encourage participation from those whose income is fairly low. If US competitors wish to attend, there are many hotels in Rio that are very inexpensive by US standards. The website also indicates that they will be drug testing.
I hope there will be a good size number of US competitors there. Brazil is a great place to visit. It is spring in November – so it will be warm but most likely not really hot.
I just contacted the the emails listed on the website to find out if the meet is open to people from outside South America. I am an experienced Rio traveller and would love to go. I actually plan to go. Last October I rented an apartment from http://www.gringomanagement.com for $55 per night with Copacabana beach view from the living room. This was only one block from the beach on Rua Bolivar 8. Rio is one of my absolute favorite places in the world.
I called and spoke to Gilson Fernandes, the President of Asociacion Sudamericana De Atletas, and he said the meet is open to people from the entire World. He sounded very positive and excited to have international interest. I have decided that I will travel to Rio to compete in this meet. I would like to hear from other US athletes planning to attend. I am an experienced Rio traveller. Have been there 3 times since Sept of 2004. Hope somebody else from USA will go too!!! It will be a blast!
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