Laurentino Dias, a 71-year-old former Secretary of State for Youth and Sports from 2005 to 2011, is set to run for the presidency of the Portuguese Olympic Committee (COP) against Fernando Gomes in elections scheduled for March 19. In a recent interview, Dias shared his motivations for running and outlined his plans for the committee’s future.
Dias’ lifelong passion for sports, which began with playing football and volleyball, eventually led him to become involved in sports management. He cited his experience as a university athlete and later as a director of the volleyball section as pivotal moments in his career. As Secretary of State, Dias prioritized the development of sports infrastructure, including the construction of the Anadia Velodrome, which was initially met with skepticism but ultimately produced notable results, including Olympic medalists.
When asked about the lack of continuity in sports policies following his tenure, Dias emphasized the importance of converging procedures and goals. He noted that the current contract between the government and the COP, which allocates 50 million euros over four years, presents a significant responsibility for the committee’s management. Dias expressed his commitment to maintaining the excellence achieved by his predecessor, José Manuel Constantino, and to building a team capable of implementing the contract’s measures.
Regarding his electoral program, Dias highlighted the need for transparency, integrity, and clarity in decision-making. He aims to treat all 67 sports federations with equal dignity, regardless of their size or popularity, and to provide fair distribution of resources. Dias also plans to increase the number of members on the Executive Committee to better respond to the demands of the contract.
The upcoming legislative elections on May 18 may impact the timing of the contract’s execution, but Dias is confident that the next government will honor the agreement. He believes that the COP should receive the allocated funds, which are essential for the committee’s future. Dias’ vision for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics involves creating a stronger, more sustainable team and providing athletes with the necessary conditions to succeed.
Dias views sports as an investment in the full development of citizens, promoting values such as hard work, teamwork, and individual effort. He believes that the current law on sports patronage is inadequate and should be revised to provide greater benefits for individuals and companies, similar to those in the cultural sector. Dias hopes to address this issue with the current government, despite their impending transition to a caretaker role.
Throughout his career, Dias has maintained a strong connection to sports, even when his political roles took him away from direct involvement. As he prepares to potentially lead the COP, he remains committed to promoting the values and development of sports in Portugal.