PUCPR Athlete at the Tokyo Paralympic Games

Eric Tobera, one of Brazil’s athletes for the swimming team for the Tokyo Paralympics, had his last training session last week in Hamamatsu, a coastal town in Honshu, and the next stop will be Tokyo, where he joins the other swimmers for the Tokyo gold medal.

Tobera is 27 years old and was born in Telêmaco Borba (Paraná). He came in 5th for the 50-meter freestyle event at Parapan American Games (held in Lima, Peru, in 2019) and has participated in several national and international competitions. The young athlete has cerebral palsy and says he combined swimming with his rehabilitation exercises when his grandfather had the idea of building a swimming pool in his backyard to practice physical activities.

“I always say that it was the sport that chose me. I’m proud to be part of PUCPR, to have a ‘burgundy blood’ [in an allusion to the theme colors of the University]. I come from years of intensive training, and I know I’m doing my best. I’m counting on everyone’s support so that you can make another dream come true”, says the athlete.

PUCPR WORKING TOWARDS THE INCLUSION

Ever since 1999, PUCPR has included people with disabilities in sports. Currently, the team has high-performance athletes in swimming and athletics. Athletes from PUCPR, an institution that promotes regional development and social inclusion, have the entire infrastructure of the University at their disposal. The athletes count on the support of students from the Physical Education, Physiotherapy, and Psychology Undergraduate Programs, monitoring their daily training routines and constant evaluations.

Eric, stay strong! We are all rooting for you!