Chris Wright is well known in the Algarve for his reports on sporting events, for setting up the Olhanense Supporters’ Club for expatriates and for his fundraising efforts.
His latest enthusiasm is Walking Football for the over 50s (see last week’s Resident for full report), which begins in the Algarve this August.
As a 16-year-old, during his last year at school, Chris qualified as a football referee and being committed to the game, he played on Saturdays and refereed on Sundays.
His career as sports reporter was launched in a typically bizarre manner. Having scored the winning goal in a Saturday game, he decided to submit a game report to his local newspaper.
His sports’ reporting took off from that auspicious start and has continued here in the Algarve.
In his career with young people, he was Director of the Essex Boys’ Clubs, the first Regional Officer for South East England and then national Assistant Director, and in his career he learned to relate well to everyone and anyone – from difficult teenagers to members of the royal family.
“Chris’ most outstanding feature is that he is a raconteur, very amusing and full of wonderful anecdotes. Clearly up for a challenge, he has offered a 30-minute presentation without mentioning football!” said Lynne Booker, organiser and co-founder of the Algarve History Association.
“No-one believes that he can speak for even five minutes without mentioning football, and so this promise represents an enormous sacrifice for the speaker.”
The talk will be held on Friday, August 15 at the Bela Romão Croquet Club from 7pm. Cost is €5 for non members or free if dinner is booked (diners select from a variety of gourmet small plates which cost between €6 and €12).
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