PORTUGAL: Students medal in championships
Salesian students win 5 gold medals at national school athletics championships
(MissionNewswire) Salesian students won medals for their athletic ability in the National School Athletics Championships held May 23-26. The event, organized by the School Sports Division of the General Directorate of Education in Portugal, brought together more than 1,500 students and 250 teachers from all over the country to take part in in various sports.
During the competition, three students from the Salesians of Manique won five gold medals and one bronze. Eduardo Carrolo won gold medals in the high jump and long jump. He also qualified for the U18 European Championships in the high jump. Tatiana Pereira won the title of national champion in the long jump and 100 meters, obtaining two gold medals. Madalena Sampaio won the gold medal in the high jump and the bronze medal in the shot put.
A Salesian said, “It was a memorable weekend for athletes, coaches, the educational community and Salesians. We are proud of their accomplishments on the off the field. Salesians know that sports in education is important not just for athletic skills but the other values sports teach including hard work, dedication, team work, communication and responsibility.”
Salesian schools and centers educate poor and disadvantaged youth across Portugal. According to the World Bank there are close to 2.6 million people living below the poverty line in Portugal, 487,000 of whom are under the age of 18. The country is one of the most unequal countries in Europe as far as wealth distribution. Wealthy citizens earn five times the rate of income than those living in poverty.
Unemployment and low incomes are two of the factors that contribute to unequal wealth distribution. Portugal has a low hourly rate for workers in comparison to other countries in Europe. Many parents have to work multiple jobs, which leaves less time at home with their families and children. This leaves children without the proper guidance at home leading to behavior problems and lack of preparedness for school, including getting homework done and eating breakfast before coming to school.
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Sources:
ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)
World Bank – Portugal
