Filomena Fortes from MEMOS IX, the president of the Association of Portuguese Language Olympic Committees, was honored with the Torch-Bearer Award by the Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run.

Fortes received this prestigious medal in recognition of her groundbreaking contributions to peace and societal well-being on April 25th last year. Beyond symbolizing sports and Olympism, she stands as a beacon of inspiration for women and young athletes across Cape Verde, Africa, and globally, as highlighted on the Peace Run’s website.

Formerly a handball player, Fortes transitioned to teaching physical education before assuming the role of president of the Cape Verdean Handball Federation. In 2014, she made history by becoming the first woman to lead the Cape Verdean Olympic Committee. Her project for MEMOS was titled: “Propuesta de una Nueva Estructura Orgánica y Administrativa del Comité Olímpico Cabo-Verdino” and is available online for you to read in the Olympic Library.

Read more about the award here!