Rugby Carries the Olympic Torch through São Paulo

Former Brazilian international fullback Sami Arap Sobrinho had the honor of carrying the Olympic torch through the streets of São Paulo. Now the president of the Confederação Brasilera de Rugby (CBRu), Arap was chosen by the organizing committee to run with the torch.

Asap told reporters “the possibility to be able to carry the torch was emotional. It is an incredible feeling to see how it takes place and to see the support from people in the streets. I felt something similar to when I heard the Brazilian national anthem for the first time on a rugby field.”

Among the group of runners who joined Arap were former World Cup soccer player Casagrande, former tennis player Flavio Saretta, former swimmer Gustavo Borges and winter Olympian Stefano Arnold.

The carrying of the torva took place at the site of where Jesuits established São Paulo in 1554, the Sé cathedral.

Ara played test rugby for Brazil, earning international caps from 1982-1991. He is the second rugby player to carry the torch in Brazil. He follows former Springboks Rugby World Cup winner, Chester Williams who did so earlier in the year.