A delegation from the Portuguese Athletics Federation headed by President Domingos Castro and CEO Luis Monteiro presented to the European Athletics Council in Batumi, Georgia on Thursday (23) morning as part of the final step of the Focus Federation Programme.
Some of the key areas covered in the presentation included the federation’s internal structures and key strategic goals which include boosting participation at grassroots level, a commitment to inclusion and sustainability as well as using athletics as a vehicle to improve physical and mental health in wider society.
Castro and Monteiro also proudly provided an overview of Portugal’s rich and illustrious achievements in elite athletics, also noting that the country has won over 50 medals in non-able bodied and disability events such as the Paralympics and Deaflympics over the last 10 years.
"We were very pleased to welcome the Portuguese Athletics Federation to Batumi. The Focus Federation Programme provides a valuable platform to strengthen dialogue and cooperation between European Athletics and its Member Federations.
"We were very inspired by the federation’s commitments to developing the sport at all levels and their awareness of athletics being a clear means for greater societal good. We were impressed to hear the federation’s social awareness outreach programme has already reached more than 70 municipalities.
"Keep up the good work and we look forward to seeing you again in Lagoa on 14 December at the SPAR European Cross Country Championships!” said European Athletics President Dobromir Karamarinov.
Portuguese Athletics Federation President Domingos Castro said: "It was a pleasure to share the energy, work and vision of Portuguese Athletics with our European colleagues. Together we keep moving forward."
The Focus Federation Programme initiative was introduced in April 2017 to increase transparency and improve communication between European Athletics and its Member Federations who do not have any active representation on the European Athletics Council.