The initiative is described as “a demonstration of brotherhood” between the people of Portugal and Cape Verde, stated José Maria Neves to journalists, following a ceremony held by the Associação Académica de Coimbra – Organismo Autónomo de Futebol (AAC-OAF) at the Estádio Cidade de Coimbra.
Organized by AAC-OAF, a campaign to collect essential goods “in response to the climate disaster that hit the islands of São Vicente and Santo Antão,” in Cape Verde, is underway in Coimbra until August 31.
For the Cape Verdean Head of State, “this gesture of great significance,” not only expresses the solidarity of the Mondego city but also represents “a valorization of sports” as a means to “help address people’s problems.”
The campaign promoted by Académica de Coimbra, involving other entities, notably the University of Coimbra and the City Council, demonstrates “the intense relations” that endure between Portugal and the former African colony, 50 years after it gained independence.
The president of the AAC-OAF, Joaquim Reis, told journalists that the solidarity initiative was launched following a proposal from an employee of the sports institution, focusing on collecting goods for Cape Verde also during professional and youth football matches.
Joaquim Reis disclosed that donations already collected from various points in the city include clothes, non-perishable food, books, toys, and furniture, among other items.
The ceremony also featured interventions from the Mayor of Coimbra, José Manuel Silva, the Vice-Rector of the University of Coimbra, João Nuno Calvão da Silva, and Carline Rosa Silva from the Cape Verdean Students Association in Coimbra.
The storm that occurred about a week ago on the island of São Vicente caused nine deaths, two disappearances, flooded neighborhoods, and damage to roads, houses, bridges, and commercial establishments, as well as power supply interruptions.
The City of Praia’s government declared a state of calamity for six months in São Vicente, Porto Novo (Santo Antão), and the two municipalities of São Nicolau, with a response plan that includes emergency support for families and businesses, soft credit lines, and non-repayable funds.
The measures will be funded by the National Emergency Fund and the Sovereign Emergency Fund, established in 2019 to respond to natural disasters and external shocks.
