Benfica Foundation and GEBALIS sign protocol

BTV REPORT

The Benfica Foundation and GEBALIS signed this Tuesday, November 8, a strategic cooperation protocol that aims to develop in Portugal the 2nd edition of the European project Community Champions League.

The ceremony held at Estádio da Luz was attended by the President of Sport Lisboa e Benfica and of the Foundation, Rui Costa, the Executive President of the Benfica Foundation, Carlos Moia, the President of GEBALIS, Fernando Angleu, and representatives from 13 Lisbon Parish Councils..

The project organized by the European Football for Development Network Foundation (EFDN) is co-financed by the UEFA FOUNDATION and seeks, through football and inter-competition, to strengthen community ties and promote active citizenship in people of different backgrounds.

Carlos Moia, executive president of the Benfica Foundation, highlighted the importance of the protocol in stimulating the Lisbon community.

"We do [the protocol] with pride, work, and responsibility. We well understand the importance that this project has already gained in community dynamics in Lisbon's neighborhoods. It opens up the opportunity for young people to be champions on the pitch and in the community at the same time. The Benfica Foundation contributes with this project to an inclusive Lisbon that listens to young people, welcomes their opinions and gives them relevance. A city that knows that they are part of the solution and not just part of the problem. We work for the city of Lisbon and for the youth of the city", he claimed.

Fernando Angleu, president of GEBALIS, reinforced the "social and human development" as a fundamental aspect underlying the initiative.

"It is a partnership that we value at all levels, the social and urban development of the city of Lisbon is one of GEBALIS' major strategic objectives. The 1st edition was a success, and it is with great pleasure that we renew this partnership with the Benfica Foundation, it is never too much to praise the work that is done for the whole country and for the city of Lisbon. It is much more than sports. Everything with the stamp of GEBALIS and the Benfica Foundation", he praised.

After the mentioned success in the 1st edition, in which one of the teams became European champion [from Campo de Ourique], the 2nd edition intends to be a promoter of equality in access to sports, of social inclusion and territorial cohesion, including 14 teams from 13 parishes in the city of Lisbon.

In the ceremony, where Simão Sabrosa, Benfica's director for international relations, was also present, the commitment letters were also delivered to the representatives of each of the participating Parish Councils.