António Tavares: “This is genuine public policy driven by civil society” | OneFootball

An agreement between FC Porto, the Santa Casa da Misericórdia do Porto, and the Northern Rehabilitation Center was formalized with the purpose of “bringing those who are often forgotten in daily life, in sports practice, to the center of attention,” and, in the words of António Tavares, it will “allow both the young and even the elderly to participate in adapted sports activities.”

“This is the only time I don't mind having a conflict of interest because it is in favor of society, of those who are not remembered every day. This is a true public policy being carried out by civil society,” stated the president of the General Assembly of FC Porto and the Ombudsman of Misericórdia do Porto on the sidelines of the event where the partnership was formalized.

Sports accessible to all“Above all, this protocol seeks to bring those who are often forgotten in daily life, in sports practice, to the center of attention. The Santa Casa da Misericórdia do Porto has a long tradition of dealing with inclusion, of preparing for inclusion. And so, it was here the pilot that bridged the gap between FC Porto and the Local Health Unit of Gaia and Espinho, bringing together equipment that was currently unused and, above all, the wills that were aggregated to allow both the young and even the elderly to participate in adapted sports activities.”

Equipment delivered to FC Porto“We are talking about adapted wheelchairs for sports such as basketball or handball, but also others, from adapted cycling to archery. There is a great multidisciplinary approach in this area that will help those at the Northern Rehabilitation Center and the Hospital da Prelada, two places where we meet people every day who, the day before, were perfectly fine in their physical abilities and, the next day, due to an accident or other types of problems, are more diminished. These are the people we want to bring back and tell them that life goes on.”

Collaboration between institutions“It signifies bringing together synergies. We could never have an active participation in adapted sports, due to circumstances, as it is not our obligation. On the other hand, FC Porto also did not have the capacity, because its concern is not the physical rehabilitation of people, and the Hospital of Gaia itself, which also brings its contribution with numerous specialists, doctors, rehabilitation nurses, people prepared for this who will be able to help. At the same time, FC Porto brings the ability for people to engage in healthy competition, which, in the times we live in, is very important.”

Civil society promoting public policies“We have some people working with us who are visually impaired and are part of the adapted sports teams of FC Porto. We understand this situation and consider this the best bridge that could be made between institutions that are already centuries-old and have a significant impact in the city. You will understand that this is the only time I don't mind having a conflict of interest, as the Ombudsman of Santa Casa and President of the Assembly Board of FC Porto, because it is in favor of society, of those who are not remembered every day. This is a true public policy being carried out by civil society.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.