The Municipality of Loulé has publicly expressed its “enormous pride” in the achievement of surfer Yolanda Hopkins Sequeira, who has just become the first Portuguese athlete to join the World Surf League Championship Tour.
At 27, Yolanda Hopkins Sequeira made history by winning the Saquarema Pro in Brazil, the penultimate stage of the Challenger Series, the circuit that provides access to the world elite, thus securing the much-coveted qualification. With this victory, she confirms her status as one of the leading figures in national and international surfing.
The local authority highlights Yolanda’s exemplary career, having spent her childhood in Quarteira and started surfing at the age of eight at the Associação Dinamika de Quarteira, demonstrating remarkable dedication and aptitude for the sport from an early age.
In a press statement, the council said: “Her determination, humility and ability to overcome adversity make her an inspiration for all young people in the municipality and for the new generations of athletes who are starting to surf on the beaches of Quarteira and Vilamoura.”
Mayor of Loulé Vítor Aleixo added: “It is a source of enormous pride for the municipality of Loulé to see one of our athletes reach the top of world surfing. Yolanda embodies a determined, courageous and committed spirit, taking the name of Portugal, the Algarve and Quarteira further afield. A word of recognition for the excellent work and support of her coaches, who have accompanied her throughout her career.”
The Municipality of Loulé emphasises that the athlete’s success is a reflection of the “hard work, persistence and passion that characterise the municipality’s athletes, and her journey is a source of great pride for all the people of Loulé”.
The council concluded by congratulating Yolanda Hopkins Sequeira on this historic achievement, reaffirming its commitment to continue supporting sport and local talent, which raise the municipality’s profile to the highest level.
Born in Faro, Yolanda Sequeira is the daughter of a British mother and Portuguese father.
