Angola: Cycling - Angola Loses a Legend - Minister of Sports

Luanda — The Minister of Youth and Sports, Ana Paula do Sacramento Neto,manifested on Sunday, appalled by the death of veteran cyclist Alberto da Silva "Pepino", saying that throughout his life he was a man committed to ideas of nationalism, solidarity causes and to Angolan sport.

In a note of condolences that Angop had access related to Pepino's death on Saturday night in Benguela, due to illness, the official considered that Angola has lost one of its main citizens, a legend whose legacy will be perpetuated, so that generations know the odd trajectory of this excellent sportsman, who in his lifetime practiced athletics, football and finally cycling. "It was with deep regret that I learned of the death of Alberto da Silva" Pepino ", the" Gladiator of the Asphalt ", says the minister in the document, noting that his department will give all support for the funeral services. At the age of 95, Pepino was honored last July 1st this year in Benguela by the Ministry of Youth and Sports for the achievements in favor of the nation. On the occasion, Ana Paula do Sacramente Neto said that "Pepino" was an "excellent cyclist" who still retained the skills that made him an obligatory reference of Angolan sport in general and, therefore, a true inspiration for thousands of young people to practice sports. The Angolan Cycling Federation considered institutionalizing an annual national race with the designation "Pepino trophy". Benguela's governor, Rui Falcão, praised the veteran rider as "a man who projected himself in the country and radiated his image in countless parts of the world." Alberto da Silva "Pepino" made several tours of the country on bicycle in homage to the heroes of the country, former combatants and poor children. He participated in 2009, for the first time, in the Olympic games of the third age, in California, the United States of America. In 2013 returned to compete having won two gold medals.

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