This week, as we celebrate 50 years of independence, I return to Cape Verde.

In the urban belt of the capital, Praia City, the local Municipality has invested for several years in building sports facilities in various neighborhoods.

It has now been a decade since the inauguration of the Tira Chapéu grass field. It was April 2015. The synthetic turf stands out against the dry brown earth of the surrounding areas. Young people and adults attend these spaces daily, which are managed and maintained by local associations.

In the video I made at the time for the Praia City Council, two players from the Cape Verde national football team, Babanco and Gegé, tell us that they grew up and played sports in that neighborhood. At that time, the field was still bare earth, but it was decisive for their life paths and allowed them to achieve their dream of becoming professional players and representing their country’s colors. They therefore highlight the importance of the sports field and the positive impact it has on the lives of all those living there, especially the youth.

TAKING OUT HATS OFF

Besides the synthetic turf fields, many sports facilities, including multipurpose courts, fitness areas, and a gymnasium pavilion, are strategically spread throughout the city.

They are frequented by thousands of people of all ages who take care of their bodies—and, of course, their minds—daily. You can see them from early in the morning running, cycling, doing sit-ups, push-ups, and countless other exercises without needing to go to private gyms.

Thus, in Praia we have the following turf fields:

Calabaceira, Pensamento, São Pedro, Achada de São Filipe, Pinta de Água, Castelão, Achada Mato, Achada Grande Trás, Achada Grande Frente, Achadinha Baixo, Tira Chapéu, Fonton, Eugênio Lima.

A gymnasium pavilion in Bairro Craveiro Lopes and the following multipurpose courts:

Castelão, Achada Mato, Achada Grande Frente, Achada Grande Trás, São Francisco, Vila Nova, Pensamento, Marrocos, Safendi.

Fitness areas distributed across the following zones/neighborhoods:

Gamboa, Kebra Kanela, Várzea da Companhia, Tira Chapéu, Fonton, Achada de São Filipe, Paiol, Achadinha Riba, São Pedro e São Francisco.

All of this truly deserves our hats off !