Brasília, July 7, 2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - After winning the competition to host the 2007 Pan-American Games, Brazil wants Rio de Janeiro to host the World Aquatic Sports Championship, during the same period. To show Brazil's interest in this event, the Minister of Sports, Agnelo Queiroz, will be in Barcelona on July 12, when the host country will be chosen. In Barcelona, where he will be accompanied by the national secretary of Professional Sports, Paula Gonçalves ("Magic Paula," ex-professional basketball player), the Minister will visit two special training centers for professional athletes.

In order to firm relations with Spain, Gonçalves said that the second purpose of the trip is to become acquainted with some professional training centers. Prior to the 1982 Olympics, Spain made an effort along these lines, and Spanish athletes demonstrated considerable improvement in the competitions. "We want to learn more about this effort," she explained.

Minister Queiroz and "Magic Paula" leave Wednesday for Spain, where they will meet with Juan Antônio Gomes Angulo, president of Spain's Higher Sports Council. Afterwards, they will visit the Barcelona Training Center. Also on the agenda is the Minister's presence, on July 13, at the final round of the World Volleyball League championship, in the Vista Alegre gymnasium, in Madrid. (DAS)