Carla Azevedo

Started: She began competing in Para table tennis in Brasilia, Brazil. (cpb.org.br, 01 Jun 2019) Reason: She interviewed Brazilian Para table tennis player Iranildo Espindola for a university project, and he encouraged her to take part in a competition. (cpb.org.br, 01 Jun 2019) Additional Info: OTHER ACTIVITIES In 2017 she took part in the Miss Wheelchair World beauty pageant. After her experience at Miss Wheelchair World, where she rehearsed choreography for the competition, she was inspired to launch a wheelchair dancing project in Brazil called Street Cadeirante, which includes performances and dance classes. "For many years, I had tried to return to dancing [following her impairment], but I didn't enjoy it the same way. I have never been so happy in my life as I was at Miss Wheelchair World. So I said, when I go back to Brazil, I need to go back to dancing no matter what. Miss Wheelchair World transformed my life, I came back feeling like a very powerful woman. I went to a dance academy here in Brasilia. During the class, I adapted the movements. For example, when the teacher told me to throw my leg, I threw my arm. I started to like it a lot. So I thought, 'I need to share this with my friends who use wheelchairs'." (Street Cadeirante Facebook page, 10 Nov 2023; medium.com, 14 Feb 2024, 05 Oct 2021; cbtm.org.br, 10 Dec 2018) OCCUPATION She has worked as a journalist at sporting events, including the 2012 Paralympic Games in London. (cbtm.org.br, 10 Dec 2018)