Government honours three Madeira athletes for national and European titles

The Regional Government Council approved three public honours for athletes from Madeira and the sporting organisations they represent, following titles won in national and European competitions. The resolutions were adopted at a plenary meeting on 24 September 2026.

• Afonso Henrique Pestana Silva, an athlete with Clube Desportivo e Recreativo dos Prazeres, was honoured for winning the National Speed Skating Champion title at the 2026 Individual National Road Championships. He won the road events in the 10,000-metre points race and the 3,000-metre inline race, in the senior men's category. The honour also recognises the Madeira Skating Association, under Regional Government Council Resolution No. 925/2026.
• Joaquim José Gomes da Rocha Fernandes, of Grupo Desportivo Corticeiras, was honoured for winning the European Biathle Champion title in the Masters M60 category at the 2026 European Biathle Championships. The distinction also recognises the Madeira Regional Triathlon Association and is set out in Regional Government Council Resolution No. 926/2026.
• Diogo André Figueira Nóbrega, also of Grupo Desportivo Corticeiras, received an honour for winning the National Individual Pool 4th Division title in billiards. The Madeira Billiards Association is also recognised under Regional Government Council Resolution No. 927/2026.

In all three decisions, the Regional Government noted that these results helped enhance the prestige of the Autonomous Region of Madeira.