Maria Aparecida Cardoso Guimarães, known as Cida Guimarães, pioneer of Brazilian basketball, died this Saturday at the age of 95. The cause of death has not been released.
The news of his death was confirmed by the Brazilian Basketball Confederation (CBB).
The former center was one of the main names of the Brazilian basketball team in the 1950s and won two South American titles, in 1954 and 1958. Her national team record also includes two silver medals and a bronze in the same continental competition. At the Pan American Games, CIDA stood on the podium with a silver and a bronze medal.
Cida came from a family with a well-established sporting career. She even played for the national team alongside her sister, Maria Helena Cardoso, who made history as a player and coach. Born in Descalvado (SP), the former center had four children.
See the full CBB note:
“Brazilian basketball lost one of its first stars this Saturday, on and off the court. Maria Apparecida Cardoso Guimarães, Cida, left us.
Double South American champion with the Brazilian team in 1954 and 1958, Cida helped to chart a solid path for the new generations who would come later, breaking down prejudices and conquering spaces and titles!
Cida started the journey of a basketball family and is the mother of our beloved Cadum Guimarães, Eduardo, Ângela and Márcia, as well as the sister of Maria Helena Cardoso.
Our condolences to friends and family. Cida is an example of determination, talent and love for basketball and life!”
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