On the 30th of June DDI PORTUGAL celebrated it’s second anniversary, in Sesimbra and it was a day filled with magical moments, a day to remember.

The morning started with a great dive at the diving spot Pedra do Leão (Lion’s Rock). Four of the five DDI OWD Certificated Divers had the pleasure of diving together, enjoying a sports they love. This was possible thanks to the Haliotis Diving Centre, the first of eight of DDI level O Centre, for offering the four divers a free dive.

Ana Gago, Dália Faria, Hugo Maia, Paulo Figueiredo where accompanied by DDI Diving Instructors, making the living of the thrill of another dive possible, not only by guiding us in the sea, but by helping with all the specific preparation of the diving equipment, regarding each unique case, assuring a safe and pleasant dive. My deepest thanks to you all for your dedication, professionalism, enthusiasm, friendship and time of your lives you share with us, spreading happiness and showing Impossible is Nothing!!!

In the afternoon we enjoyed an outdoor lunch in the company of family and friends. After that we went to Praia do Ouro where different types of activities, offered by the Federação Portuguesa de Desporto para Pessoas com Deficiência (Portuguese Federation of Sports for Disabled People), such as boccia, volleyball, first dive experience. Once more there were no barriers, not only because the beach is totally accessible but because everyone took part, regardless being or not disabled, promoting integration.

In the evening after a wonderful dinner at the Hotel do Mar where another beautiful moment took place when everyone sang Happy Birthday, so much was yet to come.

A fashion display with the presence of the first Portuguese disabled male model, João Matias, and Carla Mata, one of the candidates to Miss Portugal, who together on the runway are perfect. A relationship build to last and I’m sure we will be hearing more about!!! Going João Matias and Carla Mata were other wonderful young models, showing that modeling is a world open to all and that there is also beauty in disabled people.

To top the evening the Group Vocalize, who brightened the night by entertaining us singing some of their songs, sang DDI Portugal’s Anthem, surprising Paulo Guerreiro, DDI Representative in Portugal.

All this was possible thanks to Vanda Pinto and Paulo Guerreiro, who also gave us the pleasure of having Flemming Thyge, DDI Vice President, CEO and Founder, with us again, as well as Dr. Almeida Pires, Vice President for the Tourism of the Algarve, Sesimbra’s Mayor and the Secretary of State of the Sea, Professor Doctor Pinto de Abreu, all honoring us with their presence and giving meaning to this Anniversary’s theme Um Mar para Todos – A Sea for All!!!

May this be the second of many FANTASTIC, DDI Portugal’s Anniversaries yet to come, a family we are all so proud and grateful to be part of!!!

Dalia Maria Duarte Faria