Luanda - The Former visually impaired sprinter José Armando Sayovo on Saturday called for the internationalization of the annually-held race in his honor "José Sayovo Cup" being disputed since 2005 over a ten kilometer course.
The current vice-president of the Angolan Paralympic Committee recalled his achievements at the African and World Championships and the Paralympic Games, adding that it is time for the race in his honor to be internationalized.
The gold medalist at the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens (Greece), in the 100, 200 and 400 metres, said he believes he is a world reference, a fact that would attract competitors from all over the world.
José Sayovo even admitted the possibility of the event becoming a vector for tourism in Angola, since athletes, especially those from his era, would be interested in visiting the country and watching the event at the same time.
The former sprinter, blinded by a mine explosion during the Angolan civil war, rebuilt himself and won eight Paralympic medals between 2004 and 2012, including four gold medals.
In total, the 48-year-old former sprinter won 48 medals, 25 gold, 21 silver and two bronze. MC/AMP
