Surf helps Mozambique collect donations in Figueira da Foz

Surfers, partners, coaches, and the public of the Allianz Figueira Pro, which takes place from Friday to Sunday, in Figueira da Foz, are being challenged to help the people of Mozambique to rebuild after the passage of Cyclone Idai.

All are invited to “contribute with clothing, canned food, and water, to be transported to Mozambique the following week,” the collection is made next to the main structure of the event.

The MEO Surf League, which is the main national surfing competition that defines the national champions, thus helping the population of Mozambique.

“Figueira da Foz was also struck by a storm in October 2018, hurricane ‘Leslie’, thus knowing, from experience, the inherent difficulties, regardless of the proportions of the misfortunes that resulted in each case,” says the organization, in a statement.

For the sustainability ambassador of the MEO Surf League, João Kopke, “this issue is more related to humanity in general than to surfing.”

“It would be very easy not to worry about what happened, even from a distance, but we are being supportive, thinking about the problem and setting a positive example. We can not reach all the sites, but reaching Mozambique is already very good “he stressed.

With regard to the beach cleaning of the Altice Foundation, after the 250 kilos already collected in the first stage, a new action is being held on Friday in Figueira da Foz.

One hundred students from the first cycle of the schools in Figueira da Foz, with volunteers from MARE (Department of Environmental and Marine Sciences of the University of Coimbra), young people from the Portuguese Association of Parents and Friends of the Deprived Citizen School students Surfing Figueira.

On Saturday, all volunteers are invited to attend.

“It was with a great sense of responsibility that we accepted once again this challenge and we are very pleased with the adhesion that took place in this first phase, which we hope will be maintained or surpassed throughout the competition,” said Ana Estelita, Foundation director Altice.

Cyclone Idai in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi caused at least 786 deaths and affected 2.9 million people in all three countries, according to United Nations agencies.

Mozambique was the worst affected country, with 468 dead and 1,522 wounded already counted by the Mozambican authorities, who still account for more than 127,000 people living in 154 shelters, especially in Beira, the worst-hit region.