São Brás de Alportel hosted the “Atlima” event and closed the Quelfes Games
São Brás de Alportel was the venue for the “Atlima” event, which closed the 16th edition of the Quelfes Games on 21st May. Around 750 children, belonging to 30 different classes — 11 from São Brás de Alportel and the rest from the municipalities of Albufeira, Faro, Loulé, Olhão, Portimão, Silves and Tavira — took part in a day of socialising and sporting experiences, in order to experience the true Olympic spirit and its values of cooperation, respect and solidarity.
Throughout the day, the young athletes had the opportunity to try out eight Olympic sports: Handball, Athletics, Basketball, Football, Golf, Rugby, Tennis and Archery. The activities took place at the Municipal Sports Park of São Brás de Alportel, namely at the Sports Complex, Synthetic Football Pitch, Basketball Pitch, Tennis Complex and Petanque Courts, and also at the sports venue of the José Belchior Viegas Secondary School.
The opening ceremony of the “Atlima” day of the Quelfes Games was attended by many entities, in a celebration marked by the sharing of values and the Olympic spirit. Marlene Guerreiro, vice-president of the Municipal Council of São Brás de Alportel, officially declared the games open: “At the Quelfes Games, as at the Olympic Games, sport overcomes barriers and unites hearts, inspiring everyone to live in an environment of peace, like the one we want for the world”, she said, thanking everyone involved in this event.
“Activities like this are essential to cultivate a taste for sports, team spirit and Olympic values in new generations,” also recalled Custódio Moreno, regional director of IPDJ – Portuguese Institute of Sports and Youth.
Gustavo Marques, mentor and founder of the Quelfes Games, and representative of the Portuguese Olympic Academy, enthusiastically highlighted the continued growth of the initiative: “It is very gratifying to see the Quelfes Games growing and providing these opportunities to young people.”
Representatives from the Parish Council, School Groups and local entities were also present at the ceremony. Several local associations and national federations were also present, providing children with the opportunity to access different sports and their respective teachings.
The Quelfes Games began on May 15th, with the first round in Ayamonte (Spain), the “Challenge of the Gods”. The second round followed, in São Brás de Alportel, on May 21st. In total, 44 classes from various regions, including the Algarve, Alentejo, the Lisbon Metropolitan Area and Andalusia, took part in the two initiatives, reinforcing the Iberian and multicultural character of this initiative.
We are counting on you to investigate and report
Jornal do Algarve
