In a resounding affirmation of its commitment to supporting Brazil's Olympic and Paralympic ambitions, Petrobras has announced the expansion of its athlete sponsorship program. The "Petrobras Team" for the Paris 2024 Games now boasts an impressive roster of 55 athletes and para-athletes, with 41 of them having already secured their spots for the prestigious event. This strategic move sees the oil and gas giant rekindling partnerships with exceptional talents such as canoeist Isaquias Queiroz, who has been a member of the Petrobras Team since the Rio 2016 Games.
The current sponsorship cycle, encompassing the Pan American and Parapan Games Chile 2023 and the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024, sees Petrobras investing a substantial R$ 14.3 million. This financial backing is crucial in ensuring that the athletes have access to optimal training conditions, including the hiring of technical staff, acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment, and comprehensive medical, physiotherapeutic, and nutritional support. By providing this multifaceted assistance, Petrobras aims to give its sponsored athletes the best possible chance of success on the global stage.
Clarice Coppetti, Director of Corporate Affairs at Petrobras, emphasizes the company's philosophy, stating, "For Petrobras, the journey in search of improvement is as important as the victory. The results are the product of the talent, dedication, and effort of each athlete over many years of development. We believe in the transformative power of sport and, with this Team, we want to contribute to building a more inclusive world and fostering new talents." This sentiment underscores Petrobras' long-term vision of not only supporting established champions but also nurturing the next generation of Brazilian sporting heroes.
The significance of Petrobras' sponsorship was highlighted by Isaquias Queiroz and Petrúcio Ferreira during a recent event at the company's headquarters in Rio de Janeiro. Queiroz, who has been supported by Petrobras since 2015, expressed his gratitude, saying, "Petrobras was my first sponsor when many people didn't know me. Their support gives me more confidence to reach for six Olympic medals. It's very gratifying to see the company also encouraging athletes who don't have an Olympic medal yet, giving them the same opportunity I had. It provides a boost of confidence when you know that one of Brazil's largest companies believes in your work."
Petrúcio Ferreira echoed his teammate's sentiments, emphasizing the importance of the "Petrobras Family" in their sporting journeys. "Having a company like this supporting us and believing in our work is of great importance. We can't achieve our goals alone, staying focused on training and competing in major events. Petrobras gives us the support to remain firm and focused, knowing that we have a great incentive behind us," Ferreira stated.
Since the inception of the Petrobras Team project in 2015, the company has invested over R$ 28 million in the training of high-performance athletes across 37 sports. This unwavering support has yielded impressive results, with sponsored athletes winning a total of 157 medals in various competitions. Adriana Samuel, a two-time Olympic medalist in beach volleyball and the current manager of the Petrobras Team, emphasizes the project's role in nurturing young talent. "Many talents go to waste because they lack the support of a sponsor or brand to give them the security to dedicate themselves to their sport. Petrobras' long-term support speaks volumes about encouraging young athletes not to give up," Samuel noted.
