The Jogos de Quelfes, under Dr. Gustavo Marcos, has organised for the last 7 years various sporting events in the Algarve, together with support from the councils, destined for children. However, on 22nd April the first equestrian event was held at Pinetrees Almancil and enjoyed by 25 children and young adults, all with learning disabilities and also some with physical impairment.
The event was supported by valued members of the community – Sponsors Mapro Real Estate, Rood Construction, Algarve Fine Food and children´s charity ACCA, together with a large host of volunteers and associations who made the day possible to be enjoyed by the riders and their families.
The day consisted of an easy and fun equestrian game where riders in teams of 3 represented proudly their school or institution, with teams coming from Silves Sul, Stº Amaro, Existir, APPC Faro, and the AV Almancil school.
Medals were presented to all riders and much applause and photo calls were made before everyone tucked in to a delicious lunch organised by Gisela and her team from Algarve Fine Food and the catering teachers from the Almancil school. This school has a section for training pupils how to work in the catering business, both in kitchen and at table.
The catering director Carlos teamed up with the professionals of Algarve Fine food to give the pupils an opportunity to gain experience and help provide a lovely day to all present. The pupils worked hard to set up the lunch area with long tables and chairs, sun umbrellas, white table clothes and even decorating the surrounding trees with large paper flowers. After serving the meal they even cleaned up, removed the chairs and tables and tidied up!
It was a great team effort to put on the event and well supported by Loulé Câmara. Hopefully this can become an annual event to balance off with the Special Olympics ( to be held on 5th May) destined for the more able riders with mental disability, thus creating two equestrian events to cater for all the Algarve disabled riders.
