In case you missed it, diplomats from around the world joined together in Half Moon Bay this week for the World Ocean Summit. The second annual Summit hosted by the Economist and National Geographic provides delegates the opportunity to better understand the risks brought about by ocean degradation and shape debate about governance of the ocean. In this forum, featured speakers discuss the global ocean sustainability initiative and capitalize on unique driven dialogue to make a difference. Among the featured speakers list included John Kerry (United States Secretary of State), HSH Prince Albert II (Principality of Monaco), Anibal Cavaco Silva (President of the Portuguese Republic), Leon Panetta (former United States Secretary of Defense) - just to name a few.
After the Summit, Portuguese President Silva invited around 40-local Portuguese-Americans to join him and his wife at the Fairmont in San Francisco. He wanted a chance to thank local leaders for their continued work in the Portuguese community. Due in part to his large initiative on organizing the San Jose Earthquakes Portuguese Heritage Night, Quakes Account Executive Taylor Amarante was among the 40 invited to the exclusive event. The President is keen on keeping young Portuguese-Americans involved in their heritage while keeping up with the evolving times. Silva was impressed with the work that the Earthquakes did to put on the 2013 Portuguese Heritage Night with over 1100 Portuguese fans that attended.
Being the world's game and uh, having mingled with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, the President had a few words to say about soccer and MLS. Of course, we had to give him some new Quakes swag to add to his collection too.
So, President Silva - feel free to rock that new Quakes scarf at our next Portuguese Heritage Night on August 16 when we host FC Dallas at Buck Shaw Stadium.
