The President of the Republic today congratulated Portuguese athletes medaled in the World of Down's Syndrome swimmers, considering that “they showed that sport is a space for inclusion and equal opportunities”.
© Portuguese Federation of Swimming
07/11/2026
by
Lusa
Na note published on the ‘site’ of the Presidency of the Republic, the head of state, António José Seguro, welcomed the athletes for the performance in this competition organized under the aegis of the International Swimming Organization for Down Syndrome (DSISO) and held in Albufeira between November 1 and 6.
“Portugal finished the competition with 31 medals: 14 of gold, 11 of silver, and 6 of brass, 26 of which are individual, and 5 of which are messengers. Five world records were set and ten of the Portuguese swimmers rose to the podium ", said António José Seguro.
In the note, the President of the Republic extends his congratulations to coaches, technical staff, leaders, families and the Portuguese Federation of Swimming.
“ He stresses that these athletes, with talent, dedication and spirit of overcoming, honored Portugal and showed that sport is a space for inclusion and equal opportunities ", reads in the note.
António José Seguro also greeted, “in a special way”, the athletes Vicente Pereira, best swimmer of the competition in the T21 class, with 11 medals, 10 of them gold, Diogo Matos, champion of the world in the 100 and 200 meters bruços and in three relays adding six medals, and André Almeida, champion of the world in the 400 meters styles, which rose to the podium eight times.
The head of state also highlighted the performances of Matilde Gaspar, World Champion in the 200 m bruços, Diogo Rego, World Champion in the four male relays, Filipe Santos, World Champion in the 4×100 free relays, 4×50 free styles and 4×50 free, and silver in the mixed relay.
António José Seguro also congratulated athletes Francisco Montes, Sofia Fonseca, the youngest of the team, Diana Inês Torres and Filipa Reis.