Brazil's interim president receives Paralympic torch

Brazil's interim president, Michel Temer, received on Thursday the torch for the 2016 Paralympic Games, to be held in Rio de Janeiro.

In a ceremony at the presidential palace in Brasilia, Temer hailed the success of the 2016 Rio Olympics, which ended Sunday, and said he expected the same for the Paralympics.

"Rio became the capital of the world and the world recognized it. We are capable of organizing an event that won international acclaim," the interim head of state said with Brazilian paralympic athlete Yohansson do Nascimento at his side.

Nascimento, who was born without hands, won silver for Brazil in the 4x100 relay at the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing and a bronze medal in the 200 meters. He took the gold in the 200m at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London.

"The athletes are training a lot. Our goal is ambitious, we hope to be among the five major world powers," Nascimento said, looking ahead to the Sept. 7 inauguration of the Paralympics."

Source: EFE