ICYMI: The Week on Front Row; Brazil’s sports minister Rebelo welcomes X Games Foz to his country
Aldo Rebelo is Brazil’s sports minister. A former congressman representing São Paulo, Rebelo now takes care of all matters related to sports in Brazil. He has been dedicated to managing Brazil’s preparations as host to FIFA World Cup 2014 and the 2016 Olympic Games.
This weekend, Brazil is home to ESPN’s X Games Foz Do Iguacu, one of two international sporting events the nation welcomes in 2013; in June, FIFA’s Confederations Cup comes to six Brazilian cities. Rebelo tells Front Row why Brazil values X Games Foz Do Iguacu, which run through Sunday on ESPN.
Why are the X Games important to Brazil?
The X Games are one of the biggest sporting events in the world. The competition speaks directly to the youth, who love the extreme sports. The Brazilian Ministry of Sports gave all the support to bring this event to Foz do Iguaçu, which has expanded the visibility of one of the main tourist destinations in Brazil, while promoting the practice of sports as well. To receive the X Games is definitely a big step to stimulate the industry of extreme sports in the country. It is an opportunity for the development of the city, which will have global visibility once it will host three editions of this competition. The event is part of the many important world sporting events the country will receive in the next few years.
Do you think the X Games will help develop sports in the country?
Many of the extreme sports in Brazil, such as skateboard, already have more practitioners than some of the Olympic ones. [Staging] three editions of X Games will stimulate the development of more athletes and give more visibility to the great Brazilian riders who have international recognition and can inspire the youngsters.
What is the importance of extreme sports for young Brazilians?
The extreme sports can transmit a great energy to the young people. They certainly can be influenced by ideas such as quality of life, discipline and resilience which are encouraged by the extreme sports athletes.
What message do you have for the athletes and spectators at the X Games in 2013 Foz do Iguaçu?
Brazil is welcoming the world`s best extreme athletes with open arms. The city of Foz do Iguaçu, with the beauty of its waterfalls, enshrined as one of the Seven Wonders of Nature, will be an unforgettable stage for the X Games. I’m sure visitors will be impressed by the hospitality Brazilian people can offer.
Video produced by Dave Williams
ICYMI: Highlights from the past week on Front Row
• ESPN has always strived to properly acknowledge where and from whom news stories originate. As a result, the ESPN team is constantly reviewing procedures and processes to keep up with the ever-changing media landscape. Front Row shared an overview of ESPN’s approach to attribution on TV under new guidelines.
• More than 40 years after the passing of Title IX legislation, ESPN paid tribute to milestones in women’s sports in a new display unveiled this week on ESPN’s Bristol, Conn. campus. The wall dedication was a part of the festivities leading up to the first-ever primetime telecast of the WNBA Draft, held on ESPN’s campus.
• Soon after Adam Scott defeated Angel Cabrera in a two-hole playoff to claim the Masters championship, John Sutcliffe was asked to assist with the translation of Argentinian Cabrera’s post-round interview with CBS’s Bill Macatee. Front Row caught up with Sutcliffe to discuss the interview.
• A new This Is SportsCenter spot featuring New York Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia and SportsCenter anchors Steve Levy and Scott Van Pelt aired this week. While the ad only lasts 30 seconds, Van Pelt spent hours in the makeup room preparing. More details here.
Row of Four
Our favorites from across ESPN over the past week
• espnW’s Summer Sanders relives her Boston Marathon experience.
• Michael Smith and Jemele Hill reflect on the Boston Marathon bombings and discuss how they respond to tragic events.
• From ESPN.com’s Jemele Hill: Brittney Griner’s inspiring message.
• Enjoy an array of photos in this gallery from ESPN Images.
