The President of the Republic sent a congratulatory message to surfer Vasco Ribeiro, for having won the World Junior Surf Championship in the challenge held in Portugal.

Following is the text of the congratulatory message from President Cavaco Silva:

“I congratulate surfer Vasco Ribeiro for having won the World Junior Surf Championship in the competition held in Ribeira Drilhas, Ericeira.

When achieving this victory for the first time for Portugal, Vasco Ribeiro honours national sports and shows that our Country may assert itself with a placing of excellence in the practice of several types of sports, specifically those connected with the sea.

The strategic relevance of the oceans is considered nowadays as a national priority to conquer the challenges of the future. In this context, all sports events connected with the sea, such as surfing championships, bring an extremely important added value to the Country’s external image, which we must acknowledge and support.

For the success achieved, and with the expectation of further successes, I congratulate Vasco Ribeiro, wishing him the best personal and sports good fortune.

Aníbal Cavaco Silva”