The organization of the 1st Regional Walking Football Tournament, held today in Ribeira Brava, says that the initiative is here to stay.
The tournament brought together more than 200 athletes, including veterans, amateurs and semi-professionals.
Ricardo Nascimento, president of the Municipal Council, is pleased that the municipality has given the ‘kick-off’ to the projection of a modality transversal to everyone. In addition to the added value for the municipality, in terms of boosting trade and services, the mayor praises the work capacity of the Senior University of Ribeira Brava, promoter of the meeting, which focuses on learning, entertainment and sports practice with the less young population.
“This shows that we are an inclusive municipality, which looks at the senior population with affection, and this project is an example of that, as is all the support we provide to associations that work with these people”, he added.
On the part of RUTIS, the Network of Senior Universities in the country, President Luís Jacob expressed his satisfaction with the human mass that embraced the challenge and highlighted the participation of women, which makes “sport more interesting”.
Now the idea is to expand the sport in the Region and annually hold a national tournament.
“Looking at the result of this work, I am convinced that next year we will have a new Walking Football tournament in Madeira”, he said in a challenge, remembering that, more than competition, this sport is based on inclusion.
First medal at age 62
At the age of 62, Natália Camacho won the first medal of her life, as a result of her participation in the Walking Football tournament. A unique experience that she never thought to experience, but that she chooses as one of the best.
“I am happy to have participated in this race. I didn’t care about football and now I’ve discovered what it’s like to have a football sensation”, she explains, referring that from now on she will be an athlete closer to the sport.
The same feeling was experienced by Olívia Conceição, who at age 71 played soccer for the first time.
“It was a wonderful experience that I want to repeat”, he says, referring that the sport practiced within the scope of the Senior University (kayak, golf and walking football) makes it more active, with more enthusiasm and with daily goals.
