BRA - Player Oscar Schmidt decorated for his carreer
BRASILIA (National team) - Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva conferred the "Ordem de Rio Branco" insignia on Brazilian player Oscar Schmidt. The insignia is a medal to decorate citizens who distinguished themselves as national heroes in their respective areas. The ceremony was held in Itamaraty Palace (headquarters of the Foreign ...
BRASILIA (National team) - Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva conferred the "Ordem de Rio Branco" insignia on Brazilian player Oscar Schmidt. The insignia is a medal to decorate citizens who distinguished themselves as national heroes in their respective areas. The ceremony was held in Itamaraty Palace (headquarters of the Foreign Office of External Relations Ministry), this Tuesday, April 29th. The ceremony had the presence of the Ambassador Celso Amorim (External Relations Minister), Gerasime Grego Bozikis (president of Brazilian Basketball Confederation), Fernando Souza de Mello (president of Basketball Federation of Brasilia). Oscar's parents, Oswaldo and Janira, was also there to watch the event.
- This insignia is one of the best honors of my whole life. I am very proud to be Brazilian. I have always given my life for my country in all games and to be loved and respect by Brazilian people is my best rewarding. I am so honored to receive the "Ordem de Rio Branco" insignia from the president of Brazil. It is a very special moment in my life - said Oscar.
- This insignia is a great honor to Oscar and for Brazilian basketball. It shows how prestigious is our sport. Even the sobriety of the ceremony, Oscar gave the audience moments of fun. He surprised President Lula with a shirt # 14 of the National Team and a ball. It was a very joyful moment for all of us - said Gerasime Grego Bozikis, president of CBB.
Oscar in Brazilian national team
From 1977 to 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Oscar scored 7.693 points in 326 official games. He was in important achievements of Brazilian basketball, such as Bronze Medal in Word Championship in Philippines (1978), gold medal in Pan-American Games in Indianapolis (1987) and three times South American champion (1977, 1983 and 1985).
In 1996 Olympic Games, in Atlanta, Oscar reached the incredible score of 1.093 points in five editions. The International Olympic Committee (COI) recognized this record giving Oscar the "Olympic Order" Award.