New inductees into the Portuguese Canadian Walk of Fame

June 4, 2014 · 0 Comments

By Mark Pavilons
The stage is set to unveil the three newest inductees to the Portuguese Canadian Walk of Fame.
This Toronto landmark is due to the efforts of King Township entrepreneurs, dedicated to honouring the contributions of others.
The inaugural recipients and monument were unveiled for the first time June 2, 2013 in Toronto’s Camoes Square. Among the dignitaries on hand for the event were King mayor Steve Pellegrini, who lauded the efforts of King’s own Manuel DaCosta and Jose Melo, whose contributions to this special project were noted.
The Walk of Fame was created by DaCosta, who also helped establish the Portuguese Pioneers Gallery on St. Clair Avenue. The Walk of Fame celebrates individuals of Portuguese descent who have made profound and powerful contributions to Canada. It’s situated at College and Crawford streets.
This year’s induction ceremonies will be held Sunday, June 8 at 3 p.m. during Portugal Day.
This year, the committee conducted a Canada-wide campaign, asking Portuguese Canadians to nominate outstanding individuals who embody the mission statement of honouring outstanding achievements that have inspired and instilled pride in the Portuguese community.
This year’s recipients include war veteran and advocate Pedro Aires Simoes Correia, CAMHF chair Ana Paula Lopes and 15th century maritime explorer Pedro daSilva.
The three inaugural recipients were singer Nelly Furtado, OMERS head Michael Nobrega and Antonio Sousa, father of Charles Sousa, Ontario finance minister.
While DaCosta takes a hands-on approach, he shies away from praise. It has, nevertheless, come his way.
DaCosta received the prestigious Order of Prince Henry – Portugal’s highest honour – in Toronto this past February, from His Excellency the President of the Portuguese Republic, Professor Anibal Cavaco Silva.
DaCosta also received the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award from the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, for his support of the Famous PEOPLE Players.
The granite for the sculptures and pillar came courtesy of Schomberg’s Allstone Quarry Products and Jose Melo’s team of craftsmen.
“The Portuguese community is a lot richer thanks to the pioneer museum and the Camoes parkette with the Portuguese Walk of Fame. History has been written in stone. Our children and children’s children will prosper from the written history recorded and the artifacts so well displayed for future discovery,” said Melo.
DaCosta and Melo hand-picked the granite, extracted from the Canadian Shield in northern Ontario.
For more about the Walk of Fame, visit http://portuguesecanadianwalkoffame.com.