Portugal’s Olympic Committee has lauded a new 12-year national sports development plan, acknowledging a significant funding boost for athlete preparation while simultaneously urging the government to commit to full state funding for sports institutions.
The Committee (COP) hailed the plan as an “unprecedented milestone in the strategic vision for sport in Portugal.” The comprehensive strategy was approved by the Council of Ministers on Thursday.
A key component of the new plan is a 30% increase in funds specifically allocated for Olympic Preparation. This boost is intended to strengthen multidisciplinary support teams for athletes.
These teams will provide essential services, including sports medicine, psychology, nutrition, physiotherapy, and physical training. Fernando Gomes, president of the COP, stated that this approach places “the athlete at the center” of support.
The plan also includes a substantial investment of €19.3 million, approximately USD 20.7 million, earmarked for the High-Performance Center (CAR) at Jamor.
The COP noted with satisfaction that many of its previously submitted proposals were incorporated into the government’s new measures. These proposals included calls for greater financial predictability for sports federations and enhanced multidisciplinary support for athletes.
Despite its overall approval of the plan’s long-term vision, the COP reiterated a critical demand. It called for the State Budget to fully assume the operating and development costs of the Portuguese Institute of Sport and Youth (IPDJ).
This change, the Committee argued, would enable funds currently sourced from social games or lottery revenues, and allocated to the IPDJ, to be redirected to sports federations. The ultimate goal is to foster a “virtuous cycle of public investment and social return.”
The investment in the Jamor center builds on a previous allocation of €10 million. These funds aim to modernize the National Stadium and its adjacent facilities, creating improved spaces for high-performance training, national teams, and grassroots sports.
This infrastructure upgrade is also expected to bolster Portugal’s capacity to attract major international sporting events.
The COP pledged its ongoing commitment to collaborate with all sports organizations. This includes Olympic and non-Olympic federations, the Paralympic Committee, municipalities, universities, and private partners.
The Committee emphasized its dedication to financial rigor, transparency, and measurable results. It also expressed willingness to work closely with Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Margarida Balseiro Lopes and Secretary of State for Sport Pedro Dias.