Lagoa distinguished with Municipal Excellence Awards in the areas of Culture and Sports

The municipality of Lagoa was distinguished with two Municipal Excellence Awards within the scope of the III Social City Congress, which took place on June 17, 2025, in Vila Nova de Poiares.

The event, which brought together more than 200 local authorities and around 600 participants, promoted the sharing of good practices and reflection on the paths to follow in social intervention at a local level.

Representing Lagoa was Luís Encarnação, Mayor , who received the Municipal Excellence Awards awarded in the areas of Sport and Culture, in recognition of the work that the municipality has been developing in these areas.

In the area of ​​Sports, Lagoa was distinguished with the Gold Degree of Municipal Excellence, for the event «Caminhadas ao Luar», which promotes regular physical activity in an accessible way and in harmony with the municipality's natural heritage, encouraging healthy lifestyles and community coexistence.

In the area of ​​Culture, the Municipal Excellence award was given to the project “CONVENTUS – New perspectives on the building of the former Convent of S. José”, a participatory and inclusive initiative, which combines historical and architectural research with the direct involvement of the population, through workshops, guided tours, exhibitions and themed meetings, contributing to the valorization of heritage and the reinforcement of local cultural identity.

During the congress, the IV MAD Book – Municipal Management of Sports Events was also presented, in which the municipality of Lagoa participates with a technical article presenting the three strategic axes of municipal sports development and examples of differentiating anchor events.

At the ceremony, Luís Encarnação stressed: “These national recognitions are a source of pride for Lagoa and reflect the daily work we have been developing in close collaboration with the population. They also represent our commitment to public policies that are inclusive, participatory and have a real impact on people’s quality of life. Sport and culture are fundamental pillars of our local development project, and it is very gratifying to see these areas recognized at this level. Lagoa is built every day with the contribution of each and every Lagoa resident, and it is this collective spirit that allows us to continue to grow with solidity, identity and ambition.”

“Active participation in the III Social City Congress reinforces the vision of the municipality of Lagoa for close, innovative governance oriented towards well-being and inclusion, focusing on practices supported by data, clear goals and measurable social impact”, according to the municipality.