The 1 st Half-Marathon Odivelas-Loures-Odivelas, organized by the city councils of Odivelas and Loures, counted with the support of Hospital da Luz Clínica de Odivelas. The event included, besides the 21 km-half-marathon, a 10 km-running, a 5 km-walking, and “Corridinha do Dinis”, a kids race which took place the day before, September 23, destined for children and youths from 6 (Bambis category) to 17 (Juvenis category). This running counted with the participation of over 100 children and youths and the presence of the Olympic athlete Naide Gomes, who gives name to the multisport park where it happened. On the 24 th , the competition gathered over 1,400 athletes, who ran the 21 km and the 10 km tracks through the streets of both municipalities. The 5 km-walking also counted with large participation. The organization seized the date marking the European Week of Sport (23-30 September) to resume a mythical event, that used to take place in the 80’s and 90’s in Odivelas and contributed to promote the practice of athletics in the region. Lu, the Hospital da Luz mascot, could not be missing and cheered up with great joy all those who wished to take a picture for later recall. On the occasion, Ana Sofia Corredoura , the clinical director of Hospital da Luz Clínica de Odivelas, stressed this unit’s intention to be close to the community, in initiatives such as this one promoting health and disease prevention: “We are aware today that exercise is fundamental to lead a healthy life, for welfare and longevity with quality”. Hugo Martins, the president of Odivelas Municipality, highlighted the role of Hospital da Luz Clínica de Odivelas as a highly relevant player in the community. “ It has been developing quality work, not shying away from the reality in Odivelas community , and establishing strong bonds. And it has been showing important civic intervention and social responsibility”. The Odivelas City Council representative recognized the strategic vision in the integration of Hospital da Luz Clínica de Odivelas in the community, in its support to events such as this one, which promote the quality of life, and above all “in the affection transmitted in care providing to our municipals, which I am very pleased to see”.
