The pro-am King and Queen of the Sea event is a benefit swim on behalf of the Pro Crianca Cardiaca Foundation that runs the Hospital Pro Criansa Jutta Batista in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The Hospital Pro Criansa is the dream of Dr. Rosa Celia Barbosa, a cardiologist whose life story is one of inspiration and giving. Dr. Celia grew up in an orphanage, but worked her way through medical school en route to raising children and starting the Pro Crianca Cardiaca Foundation in 1999.
“I want to look after needy children who need heart surgery. We raised the money and constructed this new hospital and bought the land and all the necessary equipment.
I called everyone and Eike Batista donated 30 million rials. In gratitude for his generous donation, one of the most successful businessmen in the world named the Hospital after his mother Jutta Batista who was a nurse. We are also thankful for all the athletes from Brazil and other countries who are here to participate in the King and Queen of the Sea. 10% of the proceeds from the race are donated to the Foundation. Their donations and this dream will live on forever on behalf of those children in need.”
Photo shows Dr. Rosa Celia Barbosa with King and Queen of the Sea race director Pedro Rego Monteiro and 2-time Olympic gold medalist Ous Mellouli.
Copyright © 2012 by Open Water Source