The Government of Cape Verde will today award the Portuguese futsal player Pany Varela, a native of the country, with the second degree Sports Merit Medal, it was announced.
"This decoration aims to recognize and value the sporting merits of Pany, whose career exemplifies the values of sport, both nationally and internationally, symbolizing the generosity and integration of the Cape Verdean diaspora", explained the Cape Verdean executive in a note of press.
The recognition "serves as encouragement and motivation for future generations", highlighting his notable personal and professional qualities, as well as his illustrious achievements, he continued.
For the Cape Verdean government, Pany's "incessant dedication" to futsal, his passion and constant search for excellence, serve as an inspiration for young Cape Verdeans.
“His achievements represent a model for future generations to follow,” he says.
Anilton César Varela Silva, known as Pany, is from Tarrafal, island of Santiago, the municipality he visited on Tuesday and where he delivered sports materials to a futsal school.
The athlete emigrated to Portugal, where he emerged in futsal, starting his professional career at Benfica, before moving to Belenenses, Olivais and Fundão. In 2016, he joined Sporting, the club he still represents today.
Pany Varela, 35 years old, has 33 titles on his sporting CV, including three Champions Leagues (two with Sporting and one with Benfica), as well as two European championships and one World Championship with Portugal.
The Portuguese international was elected the best futsal player in the world in 2022 by the Futsal Planet portal.
Pany is in Cape Verde, at a time when the country is intensifying its efforts to make futsal competitions official.
