Portugal’s leading athletes are advocating for a significant expansion and diversification of school sports programs, emphasizing their critical role in child development, family life, and the future of national athletics. The current system presents a “gap” that needs urgent attention, according to Olympic and Paralympic champions.
Emanuel Silva, president of the Olympic Athletes’ Commission, urged schools to integrate more sports into their curricula. He argued this would allow children to train during school hours, preserving evenings for family time and homework. Silva called for greater sensitivity from authorities and for schools to welcome local sports disciplines.
He stressed the importance of providing children with a wider array of experiences, extending beyond sports to include areas like theater and music. This approach, he said, requires an open and unified mindset to ensure children can choose activities they enjoy.
Paralympic badminton vice-champion Beatriz Monteiro echoed the call for more and varied school sports. Monteiro, who discovered badminton through school programs, highlighted the lack of facilities and options in many schools, leading to missed opportunities for children.
Monteiro strongly advocated for greater inclusion of children with disabilities in sports. She noted that many face exclusion, lacking suitable opportunities or conditions to participate. She recounted instances where teachers marginalized children with conditions like cerebral palsy.
Sports, Monteiro added, foster friendships, build relationships, and can serve as a pipeline for professional athletes, contributing to the growth of competitive sport. She also underscored the vital role of teachers in stimulating children’s interest in physical activity.
Basketball player Márcia Costa reinforced these sentiments, stating that sports offer benefits across all aspects of life, including academic performance, professional careers, and social development.
The athletes delivered their remarks on Tuesday at the S4Congresso in Viseu, a conference focused on safety, security, service, and sports events. The international congress was organized by the Authority for the Prevention and Combat of Violence in Sport, under the theme “Towards safer and more welcoming sports events.” Silva, Monteiro, and Costa participated in a panel discussion titled “Conversation with champions.”