http://maigoc2007.sports.sina.com.cn 2006-07-25 MAIGOC
In 24th morning, Bishop Alberto Ricardo da Silva of Dili, capital city of East Timor, met in his residence with Vice-president of OCA Manuel Silvério individually. Bishop Silva pointed out that people in East Timor would never forget those who helped them out of difficulties.
Showing great interest in the 1st Lusofonia Games, Bishop Silva is ready to promote the games via the sports organizations and educational institutes in the church, as he recalls the days when he studied in Colégio Diocesano de São Joséin Macau.
“Sports event is undoubtedly an effective way to promote peace in the society and unite communities of different languages, religions and cultures,” said Manuel Silvério as he passed this message from President of OCA Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah. As OCA Vice-president, Manuel Silvério will report to the Executive Board the real situation of sports development in East Timor, so that OCA could come up with any workable plan to assist East Timor in their sports circle.
On 25th in Baucau, the second largest city of East Timor, Manuel Silvério visited the sports facilities there. Bishop D. Basilio Nasciment and district head there introduced to Manuel Silvério the development progress of sports community in the city.
“Most development plans are suspended, as the earlier unrest in Dili pushes around 30,000 refugees to here and they are now staying in stadiums and other sports facilities,” they said. According to Bishop Nasciment, educating people in different aspects is the most urgent task. The church is taking charge of 117 schools with over 27,000 students.
Given the strong links between sports facilities and the church in East Timor, Manuel Silvério believes East Timor NOC and the church is undividable partner of each other, as far as the development of local sports circle is concerned.
The bishops are showing great interest and intentions to participate in the 1st Lusofonia Games. “It carries symbolic significance joining the Lusofonia Games in Macau,” said Bishop Silva.
