35 years old | Personal Trainer

I was born and raised in this land, which has always been my greatest pride. Here I lived my childhood and youth, studied, made lifelong friends, played 11-a-side football under Mr. Agostinho and later Mr. Gomes (great examples of community spirit), joined the sport fishing and athletics teams of the Centro, and even represented the town in the “inter-parish” futsal tournaments.

I started working early at my family’s restaurant (Marisol) and later in other well-known places in Foz (Central, Trombone, Sítio da Várzea, and Tibino). Later, I pursued a career in fitness, where today I work as a self-employed Personal Trainer, which allows me the time I need to dedicate myself to our community.

Like many young people, I had to look for better opportunities outside the parish, but I never left my land. My heart has always stayed here. Foz is where I find my balance, where I truly feel at home. Unfortunately, over the years, I have seen our parish drift away from its real potential, with heritage deteriorating and opportunities being lost.

That is why I decided to take one of the most important steps of my life: to run for President of the Parish Council — not out of political ambition, not out of need, but out of love for my land, fully confident that I can contribute to its growth.

I hold a degree in Sport and Wellbeing, and I have a clear perspective on the importance of having an active and healthy town. This is one of the pillars of our electoral program, because Foz has unique conditions that can and should be used to promote the wellbeing of its residents, making it a better place to live and, consequently, more attractive to quality tourism.

This development also involves sports — an area where we once had more expression, with disciplines such as athletics (running and hammer throw), fishing, and football. Today, we continue to feel great pride in those who keep that flame alive, like our Kempo athletes who carry Foz’s name beyond borders. I believe this parish has potential for much more, and we want to once again encourage, support, and promote sports as an essential part of the future of our community.

Just like sport, there are many other key areas needed to ensure a Foz with more quality of life and vitality. This project is not built by one person alone. Its strength lies in the team: each member brings different experiences, knowledge, and skills that complement one another, allowing us to better respond to the real needs of the parish.

This is a project from the land, for the land — a project that unites, that listens, and that acts. In the coming weeks, we will present the team and the ideas we have to give Foz back the vitality it deserves.

I count on you to make this change together, because only then can we build the Foz do Arelho we all want.