WorldSkills São Paulo 2015 closes

Following an intense and high spirited 43rd WorldSkills Competition, the Closing Ceremony of WorldSkills São Paulo 2015 brought to an end the largest Competition in WorldSkills history and the first ever held in Latin America. Approximately 9,000 Competitors, Experts, Delegates, sponsors and partners, and supporters shared an emotional evening centered on recognizing the excellence of the 1,189 Competitors from around the world.

On 16 August 2015 at Ibirapuera Gymnasium in São Paulo, Brazil, WorldSkills São Paulo 2015 came to an inspiring and exciting conclusion, topped by the presentation of medals to winners in 50 skills, who demonstrated the highest levels of excellence during the Competition.

WorldSkills President Simon Bartley expressed his thanks to and admiration for the amazing community of individuals and organizations from around the globe that contributed to the success of the event. He encouraged everyone in the audience to take home and share all they learned throughout the Competition - about themselves, about their fellow Competitors, and about their skill. Paraphrasing Winston Churchill, Bartley said that the close of the Competition is “merely the end of the beginning”. Stating that the “real work” starts now, Bartley encouraged all in the audience to take back home the experience and enthusiasm they developed here, and “use it as a legacy of this Competition to spur development across their countries, regions, industries, and colleges.”

In addition to the Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals presented to Competitors with the highest points in their skill, all Competitors who obtained 500 or more points, but who were not awarded a medal, received a Medallion for Excellence. The Best of Nation award is usually awarded to the Competitor who gains the highest points and/or highest medal of their country’s or region’s team. The decision of who receives the award is made by the WorldSkills Member’s Delegates. Full results can be found following the Closing Ceremony at www.worldskills.org/results. The Competitor(s) with the highest points at the Competition receives the Albert Vidal Award. This Competition, three individuals were recognized: Jeong Woo Seo, Korea, Automobile Technology; Luis Carlos Sanches Machado, Brazil, Automobile Technology; and Rianne Chester, United Kingdom, Beauty Therapy each received a trophy from WorldSkills and a Brazilian cultural piece of art from WorldSkills São Paulo 2015.