Imagine a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; the chance to ride on a float in the Tournament of Rose Parade, the chance to represent the Portuguese-American community and the chance to be on Television seen by millions of people worldwide.

Now imagination has become a reality for five lucky contestants out of thousands vying to be on the Portuguese-American float appearing in the 2008 Tournament of Roses Parade.

The Winners

Winner 1
Sixteen year old Elyse Marie Borba from Tipton, California. She is the daughter of Frank X. and Ana Borba. Elyse is being sponsored by S.P.D.E.S.

Winner 2
From Tulare, California comes George Tristão and Melanie Tristão-Cekalski's daughter, Kelcie Tristão. She is being sponsored by T.D.E.S.

Winner 3
Sponsored by Kerman SBF. Angels Marie Porto, from Kerman, California is the daughter to Danny and Linda Porto.

Winner 4
From Manteca, California, Luso-American Fraternam Federation Council No. 34, is sponsoring Alexxandria Marie Meneses. She is the daughter to Januario and Lisa Meneses.

Winner 5
The youngest winner, at age 14, is Annaliça Machado Luis. She lives with her parents Alyca and Tony Luis in Manteca, California. She is being sponsored by M.R.P.S.

Winner 6
Donald Valadão (pictured above) comes from San Diego, California. Most recently, he was the IDES Supreme President for the 2006-2007 year. He will be playing the role of João Rodrigues Cabrilho on the float. For the past twelve years, Donald has portrayed the role of Cabrilho in San Diego's Cabrillo Festival. (See a slideshow of this year's Landing re-enactment)

Photos of the winners will be posted as soon as we receive them. Congratulations to all of the winners. We know they will represent the community with pride.