When members of Almancil International Rotary Club (AIRC) heard that a local school wanted to set up a surfing scheme for the benefit of students with autism and that special equipment was needed, they wanted to do something to help.
Surfing can improve fitness, balance and confidence, and surfing camps for children with autism have already been set up in a number of countries including Australia, Ireland and Scotland where the scheme has the blessing of the National Autistic Society. This will be the first of its kind in Portugal – more specifically at Escola EB2,3 Dr. António de Sousa Agostinho in Almancil.
AIRC member Alice Krings set about planning a car rally to raise funds for the project. She persuaded 13 teams with a total of 45 people taking part.
Following Alice’s tricky clues, the rally took the teams from Almancil to Estoi and on to Olhão through villages and on roads most people never knew existed.
First prize went to Hermes and Fátima Alberto and Cristina Sales who managed to follow all the clues and answer all the questions.
A total of €290 was raised which will be used to buy wetsuits for the students.
Photo: Winners Cristina Sales, Fátima and Hermes Alberto
