É quarta-feira, o meu dia de fecho, por isso, quando alguém ler isto, o resultado já será notícia velha. Mas é impossível não mencionar o primeiro jogo de Portugal no Mundial, porque, por aqui, é só nisso que toda a gente pensa ou fala. Não tenho dúvidas de que o desfecho terá sido positivo para o nosso lado, mas ser português traz sempre aquela ansiedade habitual que a maioria de nós sente, muito embora este ano tenhamos tantas hipóteses como qualquer uma das grandes seleções de arrecadar o grande troféu. Nós, como povo, há muito que sofremos de tudo: desde derrotas humilhantes e dolorosas até à alegria de uma grande vitória.

A questão é que a grande vitória só aconteceu uma vez; o resto tem sido, bem… um desafio. Nem seria preciso dizer (mas menciono de qualquer forma) que relativamente poucas nações europeias se podem gabar de já terem sido campeãs e, naquele dia, a vitória foi algo de transcendente. Veremos. Ainda parecemos ser um bocado instáveis, pelo que é difícil ter a certeza de qual será a atitude que levaremos para o campo. Apesar disso, temos agora uma seleção nacional na qual podemos ousar confiar, uma excelente mistura de juventude e experiência. CR7 irá cantar o seu canto do cisne em Mundiais, por isso esperemos que consiga evocar alguma da sua magia extra para ajudar a equipa a chegar à final. Na minha opinião, jogamos até melhor em campo sem ele, embora ele mereça todo o respeito do mundo; portanto, se ele diz que está pronto, confiamos nele. Não tem como correr mal, desde que cumpram o plano (acho eu).

E já que estou no assunto, devo dizer que este Mundial tem sido inédito pelo número de injustiças que estão aparentemente a ser cometidas, sem uma única palavra por parte da organização. Foi bastante óbvio desde o início que Infantino, presidente da FIFA, era o cão de colo de DT, por isso não só era claro que as injustiças seriam perpetradas, como também era evidente que o Sr. Infantino iria assobiar para o lado. A questão da água: não é permitida a entrada com garrafas, mas ao menos que a vendessem barata ou a dessem de graça para as pessoas se hidratarem! Por falar nisso, também há aquelas “pausas para hidratação” de dois minutos para os jogadores, que nunca precisaram delas no passado, se excluirmos a Arábia Saudita. Coincidentemente, as estações de televisão aproveitam esse tempo para vender publicidade astronomicamente cara, para entreter a malta enquanto os rapazes bebem.

Os bilionários parecem sempre levar a melhor, especialmente nos “US of A”. E o preço dos bilhetes, credo! Milhares de dólares! O que aconteceu à história de unir toda a gente? Essa é a ideia que a FIFA adora associar a este torneio. Vão dizer isso à seleção do Irão, que joga todos os jogos em solo americano mas é obrigada a voar de volta para o México (onde está instalada e a treinar) imediatamente a seguir a cada partida, enquanto as outras seleções se podem restabelecer nas calmas, como dita o protocolo. O pobre do árbitro somali, que ia estrear-se num Mundial, foi recambiado para trás depois de horas a fio de interrogatórios. Ia ser o mais jovem de sempre num Campeonato do Mundo. Mesmo entre os que conseguiram entrar, houve muitos que tiveram de aguentar horas de interrogatório. Que raio de sítio. Nem sequer é irónico que um país que causou e continua a causar estragos a todo o planeta e aos seus habitantes esteja com uma superparanoia de que uma seleção que está a disputar aquele que é, indiscutivelmente, o maior evento desportivo do mundo, lhes vá fazer mal, ou que um jovem árbitro, a viver o sonho de uma vida, estivesse ali para outra coisa que não isso. O ladrão tem sempre medo de ser roubado.

Seja como for, espero que quando isto sair na sexta-feira, estejamos todos com um sorriso no rosto.

Raul Freitas/MS

The content on the Milénio Stadium website is automatically translated using Google Translate.

Photos: Adriana Paparella

The Luso Canadian Charitable Society golf tournament once again brought together the Portuguese community in Ontario in a day marked by solidarity, friendship, and a strong sense of mission. The initiative, held on June 12, confirmed once more the strength of a cause that, over nearly two decades, has been transforming lives through support for seniors, people with disabilities, and families in vulnerable situations.

In its 18th edition, the tournament took place across two separate courses — the Lionhead Golf Club in Brampton and the Royal Ontario Golf Club in Milton — bringing together around 500 golfers in an atmosphere of socializing, sharing, and generosity. More than just a sporting competition, the event represents a concrete gesture of support for the programs and services of the Luso-Canadian Charitable Society, an institution that has served the community with dedication and humanity for over 40 years.

The day ended at the Portuguese Cultural Centre of Mississauga, where all participants and guests gathered for a celebratory dinner recognizing the institution’s work. Among those present were community representatives, business leaders, association officials, and Portuguese and Canadian authorities, reinforcing the collective commitment to continuing this social mission.

During the event, Secretary of State Emídio de Sousa also visited the organization’s facilities in Mississauga, accompanied by Portugal’s Consul General in Toronto, Ana Luísa Riquito, and Portugal’s Ambassador to Canada, Bernardo Lucena, who also took part in the day’s ceremonial first tee-off.

Jack Prazeres highlights strong turnout and community support

Jack Prazeres, president of Luso, highlighted the strong participation in the annual golf tournament, which brought together more than 500 participants across two courses, emphasizing the charitable nature of the initiative.

“The message today is simple: thank you to everyone who showed up. We have about 500 people playing golf today, which is fantastic. They are helping a good cause and also enjoying a fun day,” he said.

He noted that the event has become an annual tradition with a loyal base of participants. “It’s already become an annual celebration, because it’s mostly the same people who come here, and everyone is already looking forward to next year. We don’t even need to ask people to come: they already book their spot and want to be here,” he explained.

Regarding the initiative’s goals, Prazeres highlighted ambitions for sustainable growth. “Every year we try to do a little more than the previous year. This year, to be honest, I think we will surpass that,” he said, adding that course capacity limits further expansion.

He also emphasized the importance of the cause, warning about the growing needs of the institution. “We cannot forget Luso, because the need is increasing. We have so many cases of parents needing support for their children: parents in their 60s, 70s, or 80s still caring for their children,” he said.

“These are cases that deeply move us and make us work harder. Community support is essential. We will reach our goal: to build this new center to support these parents as soon as possible,” he concluded.

Emídio de Sousa highlights spirit of solidarity

On a visit to Toronto, Canada, the Secretary of State for Communities, Emídio de Sousa, highlighted the active and supportive role of the Portuguese community and its strong participation in social initiatives.

“I am once again getting an excellent impression of our community,” he said, emphasizing his contact with institutions and Portuguese citizens in the region.

The government official also highlighted awards given to distinguished Portuguese individuals. “Yesterday I had the honor of awarding the medal of merit to four Portuguese people who stood out — three women — and today two more in the business sector,” he said.

About the golf tournament, he described it as an exemplary initiative: “It is a fantastic organization with a charitable purpose: raising funds for social projects,” praising the community’s solidarity.

He also emphasized the concept of “Portugueseness” and the idea of a global nation. “Any Portuguese citizen in the world is part of this global nation,” he said, highlighting pride in the Portuguese diaspora.

Volunteer Olívia Saraiva highlights importance of community help

Olívia Saraiva has participated for several years in volunteering initiatives with Luso Canadian, a connection that began in 2017 with the community’s annual walk. Since then, she has involved her entire family in this charitable mission.

“I started participating in the walk they hold every year since 2017. We do it as a family: my children, my sisters, my brothers-in-law, everyone takes part,” she explains.

For her, helping means supporting those most in need. “Helping means above all supporting those who need it and cannot help themselves. It means helping people who need support and cannot manage on their own. And since we can help, I feel it’s important to do so,” she said.

She also left a message encouraging community involvement: “Everyone has the power to help someone. We should do it, because we never know what the future holds. Today we are helping others, but one day we may also need help ourselves.”

Participants emphasize solidarity and importance of LUSO

Throughout the event, participants stressed the importance of strengthening community ties and contributing to help those in more vulnerable situations, promoting a continuous spirit of mutual support.

They described the initiative as a positive example of solidarity, noting that the tournament symbolizes the desire to help and make a difference. With several years of involvement, many also highlighted their ongoing commitment, reinforcing the importance of consistency in such initiatives.

Considered one of the most important charitable events within the Portuguese community in the Greater Toronto Area, the Luso Canadian Charitable Society golf tournament continues to be a key pillar in funding social programs and new projects, including support initiatives in Hamilton.

More than numbers or fundraising totals, the true success of this gathering is measured in the hope, dignity, and support delivered daily to thousands of individuals and families through the tireless work of LCCS.

Romulo Ávila/MS

The content on the Milénio Stadium website is automatically translated using Google Translate.

Photos Cindy da Ponte / Adriana Paparella

There are weekends when the city seems to gain another voice — warmer, older, closer to saudade. In Toronto, at the heart of Earlscourt Park, that moment returns once again with the PW2026 LiUNA 32nd Portugal Week Festival, where the diaspora does not merely remember where it came from: it feels it again.

June 12 — the night when music calls you by name

As the sun sets over the park, it is not only the day that comes to an end — it is a kind of crossing. At 7:00 p.m., the first chords of Tuga Nights light up the atmosphere like someone opening a window onto the Atlantic. Then, at 8:30 p.m., the stage shifts energy with the Manic Boys & Girls Club, bringing that modern pulse that speaks to both shores at once. And then, as the night stretches further and the air grows heavier with memory, comes the most anticipated moment: at 10:00 p.m., David Carreira. It is not merely a concert — it is a meeting point between generations raised between two countries, two languages, two different ways of saying “home.”

June 13 — the day when roots walk

It was right after the Parade. Saturday began earlier and with a different rhythm: the rhythm of tradition. At the Folklore Festival “Roots of Our People,” the stage became a symbolic village, where each group carried with it a piece of Portugal itself. At 2:00 p.m., Hamilton opened the dancing with Rancho Províncias e Ilhas de Portugal. Then, one by one, the folk groups stitched the afternoon together with steps that had already crossed oceans: Tricanas, Nazaré, Camponeses de Toronto, Ribatejo, Minho — names that are not merely groups, but living territories of memory.

And there comes a moment when the sound changes shape: the bombos enter at 6:30 p.m., and the ground itself seems to breathe more deeply with Arsenal do Minho. It is as if the earth were calling to the earth.

At night, the festival returns to contemporary music: Henrik Cipriano and Band at 8:00 p.m., Tiago Maroto at 9:00 p.m., and closing the evening, a tribute to Starlight at 10:00 p.m. — as though ending a chapter without ever closing the book.

June 14 — when the plan changes, but the celebration finds its way

There are days when the program is only an intention — and the sky, or fate, writes another version. At Earlscourt Park, Saturday’s “Roots of Our People” Folklore Festival began with that unexpected turn: the scheduled folklore program was cancelled.

But what could have become emptiness instead became movement. The park did not empty — quite the opposite. The community stayed, the spirit endured, and the festival reinvented itself at the very moment it seemed suspended.

As the weather cleared and the public refused to leave the place of celebration, the stage found a new direction and a new energy. Improvisation became the program, and music began happening wherever there was space — and willingness.

Taking the stage were Tributo a Tabu and Os Pegas, delivering a performance filled with intensity, memory, and celebration, as though the night itself had decided to continue along different paths.

And, as only happens at festivals that live from the ground and the people, an improvised stage also emerged inside Rui Gomes’s tent — closer, rawer, with almost no distance between artist and audience. There, Pedro Joel and Band and Karma Band kept the night alive with performances that needed no formality to feel authentic.

In the end, June 14 came to express something simple: when culture is alive, it does not depend on the plan — it adapts to the moment. And sometimes, it is precisely in improvisation that celebration finds its most human form.

A recognition that must be made

As this edition comes to a close, there is also an unavoidable recognition owed to ACAPO for the way it succeeded in giving body and soul to an event of this scale, preserving the balance between tradition, culture, and community celebration.

In the person of José Maria Eustáquio, leader of the organization, that merit gains both a face and direction: someone who accepts the responsibility of keeping alive an essential reference point for the diaspora, with dedication, vision, and a strong sense of commitment.

More than simply a well-organized festival, what remains is the mark of a collective effort that respects its roots while also projecting them into the future — deserving, therefore, the appreciation and recognition of the entire community. And I, Rómulo, wish to express that recognition here.

A festival that is more than a celebration

At Earlscourt Park, Toronto ceases to be merely a city. It becomes a bridge. And Portugal Week is not simply a schedule of events — it is a collective gesture of identity, where every dance and every song become different ways of saying: “here we are.”

Because some traditions are not kept in museums. They are kept on stages, in voices, in summer nights where saudade dances without asking permission.

Romulo Ávila/MS

The content on the Milénio Stadium website is automatically translated using Google Translate.