The athletes who will represent Mozambique at the Olympic Games in Paris, France, bid farewell to the Mozambican people today during a ceremony held at the French Embassy in Maputo. The event also marked the unveiling of this year's Olympic mural.
Alcinda Panguana, Deisy Nhaquile, and Jacira Ferreira, the three athletes confirmed for the competition, participated in the ceremony. These athletes qualified directly for the Paris Olympic Games, which will take place in July and August. Other athletes, Tiago Muxanga, Steven Sabino, Matthew Lawrence, and Denise Donelli, were confirmed at the last minute through an invitation from the Olympic solidarity program, but were unable to attend.
The ceremony, organized by the French Embassy in coordination with the Mozambique Olympic Committee and the State Secretariat for Sport, had as its main objective to guarantee the athletes the necessary support for their participation in the event.
Alcinda Panguana, who will compete in boxing and has participated in the Olympic Games before, highlighted the intense preparation she is undergoing. "The preparation is very strong and demanding, but the goal is to see results," Panguana stated.
Deisy Nhaquile, who will compete in sailing, expressed her happiness at representing Mozambique. “I am happy, and my happiness is indescribable. This moment symbolizes the arrival of a great moment for me,” said Nhaquile.
Jacira Ferreira also shared her enthusiasm and determination. “It’s a mix of feelings to represent the country in the best way possible. My next goal is to reach the podium at the Olympic Games,” Ferreira declared.
The head of the mission, Francisco Mabjaia, explained that the athletes' preparation has been going smoothly and that they are in the final phase of training. "The preparation is proceeding without major setbacks. We expect them to once again give their best to bring prestige to the country," said Mabjaia.
Aníbal Manave, president of the Mozambique Olympic Committee, expressed his pride in the athletes and thanked the French Embassy for its continued support. “Qualifying athletes requires many resources and dedication. The embassy has been by our side throughout the last four years,” Manave emphasized.
