Portuguese Icon, Carlos Lopes, Welcomes the Scientology Volunteer Ministers Cavalcade to Lisbon

Last month marked the 3rd annual Carlos Lopes Gold Marathon in Lisbon, Portugal, but this time there was an additional element to help the runners at the finish line, the Scientology Volunteer Ministers European Continental Cavalcade and the Volunteer Ministers of the Church of Scientology of Portugal.

The Cavalcade was opened by none other than Carlos Lopes, the man after whom the Lisbon Marathon is named. Mr. Lopes was the winner of the marathon at the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympics. A national hero for bringing home Portugal's first ever Olympic gold medal, he also set a new Olympic record of 2:09.21 that day, which remains unbeaten today.

The Volunteer Ministers set up their signature yellow tent at the Carlos Lopes Gold Marathon to deliver Scientology assists to runners at the end of the race. L. Ron Hubbard, founder of the Scientology religion, developed numerous Scientology Assists, which are applications of his discoveries for the mental and spiritual aspects of a person's physical difficulties. Assists are particularly helpful to those completing a marathon, a race which put tremendous stress on an athlete's body.

Mr. Lopes, who cut the ribbon at the opening of Volunteer Ministers Continental Cavalcade in Lisbon, had first-hand knowledge of the effectiveness of Scientology assists: Volunteer Ministers had helped him, using these techniques, after some of the marathons he ran. "I am here because I am grateful," Mr. Lopes said "I have a commitment. One repays love with love."

Traveling Volunteer Minister Cavalcades bring help to major cities and communities throughout the world. Visiting a new city each month, these Cavalcades contact thousands of people in each venue and introduce them to tools developed by Mr. Hubbard, with courses, workshops and seminars based on the Scientology Handbook.