Vasco Da Gama Club Recognized In The Azores
The Vasco da Gama Club was recently recognized by the Ponta Delgada Football Association for its role in contributing to the development of football as part of the Azorean Diaspora.
A spokesperson said, “The honour was bestowed on the Club at a gala event that took place on Sunday, November 3 at the São Miguel Science and Technology Park in the city of Lagoa, in the Azores.
“The event served to commemorate the 95th anniversary of the Ponta Delgada FA, as well as to honor 31 managers, coaches and athletes who have contributed to the development of the sport of football in the Azores.”
Audience at the Ponta Delgada FA gala:
“Pedro Miguel Carreiro Resendes [aka Pauleta], the former Portuguese international footballer who traveled to Bermuda in June 2018 at the Club’s invitation, was honoured for his footballing career as well as his contribution to the development of football in the Azores.
“Pauleta organized a footballing clinic and help with fundraising efforts for the Portuguese Cultural Association [registered charity #385] which oversees the administration of the Portuguese School of Bermuda, among other things.
“The former head of Clube União Micaelense, Vitor Manuel Borges Brum de Sousa, and one of its player, Diogo Fonseca, were also honoured. Vasco da Gama Club took part in the U11 International Football Tournament organized by Clube União Micaelense in April 2019.
“Finally, footballers Luís Soares, Paulo Raimundo [aka ‘Clemente’] and Danildo Accioly were honoured. They were part of the São Miguel select team that faced the Bermuda National Team in May 2019, which was organized by the Bermuda Football Association in partnership with the Vasco da Gama Club.”
Robert Camara, President of the Ponta Delgada FA addressing the gala audience:
Vasco da Gama Club President, Paul Franco, said, “This honour came as a pleasant surprise to us. We want to thank the Ponta Delgada Football Association for recognizing the Club and its contributions to football.
“We continue to go from strength-to-strength. Our senior team has just started its 2nd season back in the First Division after a long absence, the Club successfully took part in the U11 International Football Tournament this year and we just started our youth football programme this season.
“Honours such as these are a welcome validation for all the hard work from our coaches and volunteers.”
Presentation to Vasco da Gama Club:
“Our hope is that football can continue to deepen the relationship between Bermuda and the Azores. This reinforces the efforts of the Azorean Government, including the recent visit by His Excellency, the President of the Regional Government, Vasco Cordeiro and a delegation to Bermuda.”
The spokesperson said, “There were many persons and entities honoured at the gala, to whom the Vasco da Gama Club extends its hearty congratulations.”
