For the last seven years, the “Jogos de Quelfes”, under Dr. Gustavo Marcos, has organised various sporting events destined for children with support from the councils. However, on April 22 the first equestrian event was held at Pinetrees in Almancil and enjoyed by 25 children and young adults, all with learning disabilities and some with physical impairment.
The event was supported by members of the community, including children’s charity ACCA and a large host of volunteers and associations who made the day possible.
The event, supported by Loulé Council, consisted of an easy and fun equestrian game where riders in teams of three represented 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 before everyone tucked into lunch organised by Algarve Fine Food and the catering teachers from the Almancil school, which trains pupils how to work in the catering business.
It is hoped it will become an annual event to complement the Special Olympics, to be held on May 5, destined for the more able riders with mental disability, thus creating two equestrian events to cater for all the Algarve disabled riders.
