Portuguese Sports Confederation awarded athletes, managers, coaches and institutions from different sports; former Olympic medalist was the protagonist of the ceremony
The 27th edition of the Sports Gala, organized by the Portuguese Sports Confederation, took place on Friday night at the Pavilhão Carlos Lopes, in Lisbon, which rewarded athletes, coaches, managers and associations. All federated sport in Portugal was honored, equally, in an event that brought together sports ranging from checkers, pigeon racing, model airplanes or bridge together with the most popular football.
Among the several hundred present were figures such as the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, Fernando Gomes, or the presidents of Benfica and Sporting, Rui Costa and Frederico Varandas. The two directors also crossed paths, greeted each other and exchanged a few words, also commenting on the fate of their respective futsal teams which, that same afternoon, were excluded from the fight for the European title.
President of Benfica is already at the Sports Gala and had a symptomatic response to journalists’ questions; Frederico Varandas arrived a minute later
«Benfica still ended up winning 3-1 and 4-2…», commented Rui Costa, in a way of regret, to Varandas, who then went to the room where the ceremony took place and both were deserving of honorable mention, standing up to receive applause. The gala was the stage for the presentation of awards for Sports Merit – Personality of the Year, Champions, Sports Ethics, Coach, Young Promise, Team and Male and Female Athletes. The Coach category chose Hélio Lucas (canoeing) as the winner and João Neves was selected for the Jovem Promessa award, with Rui Costa receiving the award.
Midfielder from Clube da Luz was distinguished this Friday night at the Sports Gala with the Jovem Promessa award; Rui Costa received the trophy
The Team category was won by the National A Women’s Football Team, with coach Francisco Neto taking the stage to receive the award and Norberto Mourão (paracanoe) was awarded for the adapted sport, which preceded the presentation of the individual male and female awards. .
Regarding the winner for Male Athlete, Diogo Ribeiro (swimming) deserved the public’s choice, while in the female category the award was given to Maria Martins (cycling) and, finally, the honor of the night, in the form of the prize High Prestige.
The special distinction was given to Carlos Lopes, who will celebrate, in 2024, 40 years since the gold won in the marathon at the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 1984. The former athlete was the main protagonist of the ceremony and deserved general applause, before to take the floor and thank his former coaches, including the late Moniz Pereira, and Sporting.
Carlos Lopes also did not forget former Olympic champion Rosa Mota for the “sacrifice” that, as in his own case, led to the successful careers of both. «A little kiss to you, my great friend, for everything you have done for sport», addressed the illustrious sportsman, who received words of recognition from the government officials present and also from the host of the event, the president of the Portuguese Sports Confederation, Daniel Monteiro.
«Without a doubt, Carlos Lopes was an icon of national sport. In fact, the day he won the gold medal, the first Portuguese Olympic medal, was the day Day D of Portuguese sport, it changed mentalities, I dare say”, finally praised the leader.
