Barcelos Launches "Galo em Jogo" for Over 65s

New municipal initiative aims to promote active and healthy aging through playful and cooperative activities.

A stylized Portuguese rooster made of colorful tiles, on a cobblestone path.
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A stylized Portuguese rooster made of colorful tiles, on a cobblestone path.

The Municipality of Barcelos introduces "Galo em Jogo" in October, an innovative program for those over 65, focused on stimulating physical activity and social interaction.

The "Galo em Jogo" initiative, part of the "Envelhecimento Ativo e Saudável em Barcelos" project, kicks off in October with the aim of encouraging playful and accessible physical exercise for the population aged 65 and over. The sessions are designed to enhance mobility, balance, coordination, functional strength, attention, and strategy, while simultaneously promoting social interaction and cooperation.
Inspired by the iconic Barcelos Rooster, a symbol of the municipality, the activity unfolds into four dynamics: "Galo Estratégico" (Strategic Rooster), "Galo Precisão" (Precision Rooster), "Galo em Equipa" (Team Rooster), and "Galo em Movimento" (Movement Rooster). Each dynamic offers adapted challenges combining movement, strategy, aiming, concentration, and teamwork, aiming to develop essential skills for daily autonomy.
The sessions, lasting approximately 60 minutes, will take place at the Municipal Pavilions of Barcelos, Campo, and Adães. At the Barcelos Municipal Pavilion, activities are held on Mondays and Tuesdays at 2:30 PM. In Campo, sessions are on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 AM. At the Adães Pavilion, activities occur on Wednesdays and Fridays, also at 2:30 PM.
Participation is free for residents aged 65 and over, requiring prior registration at the Comissões Sociais Interfreguesias (CSIF). For more information, interested individuals can contact the Municipality via email at ativoesaudavel@cm-barcelos.pt or desporto@cm-barcelos.pt.
The "Galo em Jogo" initiative reinforces the "Envelhecimento Ativo e Saudável em Barcelos" project, which aims to combat social isolation and empower seniors and their caregivers. Other initiatives include the Barcelos 65+ Card, offering benefits on local goods and services, promoting the well-being and quality of life for the senior population.
This project is promoted by the Municipality of Barcelos in collaboration with entities such as the Centro Social da Paróquia de Arcozelo, the Portuguese Red Cross, and SOPRO, with the support of various local associations, Parish Councils, GNR, PSP, the Institute of Social Security, and the Polytechnic University of Cávado and Ave (UPCA). The project is funded by the Norte 2030 Program, co-financed by the European Union.
Based on information from the official source: Municipio de Barcelos (24/09/2026)