British rower Sir Steve Redgrave was given a hero’s welcome by Botafogo’s atheletes on Saturday as he visited the club’s rowing facilities ahead of attending the Laureus awards.
Like most football clubs in Brazil, Botafogo also participate in several other sports with Rowing a major part of the club’s historical setup.
Redgrave, who spoke of his passion for football, was presented with a personalised shirt by club president Mauricio Assumpcao and spoke of his gratitude for his experience at the Rodrigo de Freitas lake.
“I’ve never been to a club and been recognised like this. I thank the club for having welcomed me and having given me this opportunity,” he told the gathered audience.
“The scenery is fantastic. It is very rare to have a rowing race in the middle of the city, but you have this here in Rio. The beach is just a few metres away. The audience will love this and the competitors will enjoy it after their events. I think they’ll like coming here.”
Redgrave was, of course, talking ahead of the 2016 Olympic Games which will take place in Rio de Janeiro. The five-time gold medalist had been heavily involved in London’s hosting of the event last year.
Source: Globo Esporte
