The municipal council of Lagoa has praised Algarve-born athlete Gerson Baldé after he was crowned indoor world champion in the long jump this month, setting a new national record in the process.
Baldé secured the title with a jump of 8.46 metres, the best mark in the world this year and the longest ever by a Portuguese athlete in the discipline.
Born in Albufeira, Baldé began his sporting journey at the Associação Académica da Bela Vista, where he first trained in athletics at the Bela Vista Municipal Stadium, in the municipality of Lagoa.
In a statement, the municipality highlighted the importance of local sports clubs and associations in developing talent and pointed to Baldé’s career as an example of how local investment can produce world-class athletes.
“This is a moment of enormous pride for the municipality of Lagoa. Gerson Baldé’s path clearly demonstrates the importance of investing in grassroots sport and in our infrastructure. It is inspiring to see an athlete who began his journey in Bela Vista reach the top of the world, carrying the name of our community with him,” said mayor Luís Encarnação.
The statement also recognised the role of local clubs and coaches in shaping the athlete’s career.
“This recognition is also the merit of the Associação Académica da Bela Vista and of all those who contributed to the athlete’s development. These examples reinforce the importance of continuing to support sport and to create opportunities for our young people,” the mayor added.
