Message from the Mayor of Santarém
Dr Moita Flores
Congratulations on organizing the 3 European Championship of Senior and veterans of the World Union of Karate-do Federations (W.U.K.F).
It is with great pride and satisfaction that I welcome you all in the 3rd European Championship of Karate-do of WUKF!
In a world and a country that is crossing a serious crisis, that is beyond the economic barriers, which reflects the climate of disorientation in which we live, I commend all men and associations, who have the courage to continue to add to the goal, not only of sports, although it has an important role in health, but to live and promote the sport!
"Man is a social being. The one who is living alone, or is a God or a beast." As Aristotle claimed. Today, in the XXI century, we should be able to overcome the vicissitudes of life, do not cross your arms instead fight for what you believe.
The sport and, in this case the Karate, has the ability to meet people, as well as being one of the best forms of occupation of leisure.
The human being, while different from their similar, to their mode of being, their tastes and desires, is gregarious by excellence, and in this sense, need to create and be part of associations and institutions to meet what demand.
In this case, the Amicale Karate Association has the particularity of, always with respect and genuine interaction, strength of dedication, regardless the victories and defeats to organize this championship, which will certainly, to all athletes participating in the tournament, their families and the inhabitants of the municipalities that host this initiative, a real lesson in how to friendship and socializing are so important in the life of humanity.
From different countries, participants of this tournament are hosted with open arms, in a direction which strives to not leave anything to chance.
Santarém will be with open arms to receive about 800 athletes from 30 countries, thanks to excellent organization and commitment of the Association Amicale Karate, brings to Santarém more than a Martial Art, and under the axiom “Mens sana in corpore Sano” - Healthy Mind in a Healthy Body, showing that the physical effort associated with the mind contribute to the formation of the human being in its fullness.
To the workers of this great championship, I wish all the best, to give continuity to the work done so far, that ennobles our City and our Country!