Regional Government praises Sofia Fonseca's performance at European Down Syndrome Swimming Championships - Communication

Secretaria Regional da Educação, Cultura e Desporto

The Regional Secretary for Education, Culture and Sport, Sofia Ribeiro, congratulates Sofia Fonseca, an Azorean athlete from the Ponta Delgada Fire Department Physical Activity Club, for her "exceptional performance" at the 8th European Down Syndrome Swimming Championships.

The young athlete, aged just 13, won six medals in the Mosaic category: a gold medal in the 50-metre freestyle, two silver medals in the 100-metre backstroke and 800-metre freestyle, and three bronze medals in the 400-metre freestyle, 50-metre backstroke and 200-metre freestyle.

Alongside the medals she won, Sofia Fonseca also set six junior world records in the 50-metre backstroke, 400-metre freestyle, 200-metre freestyle, 100-metre backstroke, 800-metre freestyle and 50-metre freestyle, demonstrating her "enormous talent and dedication to this sport."

“Sofia Fonseca’s remarkable performance is a source of pride for the Azores, highlighting the merit, discipline and quality of regional sport. This result not only puts the Azores on the international sporting map, but also confirms the Region’s commitment to supporting its young athletes and promoting sporting excellence,” emphasised Sofia Ribeiro.

The Regional Secretary also praised the technical and interpersonal skills of coach Carlos Pedrosa, whose dedication has been essential to the athlete's sporting development.

"This achievement strengthens the reputation of Azorean sport and demonstrates the value and determination of its young athletes, who carry the name of the Azores further afield with excellence and inspiration," stated the Regional Secretary.