«ANT GAMES» return to Albufeira
More than 2,500 people, including children, young volunteers, and professionals, will participate on October 2nd and 3rd in the 3rd edition of the "ANT GAMES," an educational and sporting event that will take place on the synthetic pitches of the Albufeira Municipal Stadium. The initiative is part of the preparation for Albufeira – European Capital of Sport 2026 and promises to transform the city into a stage of energy and creativity.
With approximately 2,200 children from preschool to high school, supported by 250 volunteer vocational school students and more than 150 professionals, the event's motto is "learning through play, growing in community." The project's uniqueness lies in its dual educational dimension: while the youngest children explore dozens of playful and sporting activities, the young volunteers take on leadership, organizational, and mentoring roles, acquiring responsibility and citizenship skills.
"Participating in the ANT GAMES is a natural extension of the classroom. It's a fantastic opportunity for our students to experience the values of respect, friendship, and excellence in an active and memorable way," emphasizes Humberto Bento, principal of the Albufeira Poente School Group.
Victor Ferraz, director of the Ferreiras School Group, emphasizes "the power of partnerships in education. Uniting the municipality, associations, and schools around a common goal is the most effective way to create a real and lasting impact on the lives of our students."
The event is the result of an unprecedented community mobilization, involving the Municipality of Albufeira, the Albufeira Poente and Ferreiras School Groups, and the Albufeira Activa Association , with the institutional support of the Portuguese Institute of Sport and Youth (IPDJ) and Decathlon as the official sports partner. The collaborative network also extends to dozens of local and regional associations, clubs, institutions, and organizations.
"The ANT GAMES are more than an event: they are an educational legacy. Each child takes with them the experience of learning through play, and each young volunteer discovers their potential to lead and serve. It is this ecosystem of shared learning that drives us," concludes André Lima, coordinator of the initiative.
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