Lisbon, Portugal — Portugal’s commitment to global sports was celebrated at the sixth annual Business Sports Awards, recognizing the 2030 FIFA World Cup bid alongside the nation’s top athletic talent.
António Laranjo, coordinating the Iberian bid for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, accepted the “Iberian Award” on behalf of the organizing consortium, which includes the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF). The award highlights the collaborative effort with Spain and Morocco in their joint bid.
Laranjo underscored the vital role of Fernando Gomes, former FPF president and current head of the Portuguese Olympic Committee (COP), in bringing the 2030 World Cup to fruition. He dedicated the award to the entire Portuguese populace.
“This award is, above all, for all of us; for all those who, throughout this whole Portugal, throughout this whole world, will vibrate with everything that is done in the 2030 World Cup,” Laranjo said. He previously led the organizing committee for the Euro 2004 championship, also hosted in Portugal.
World 1,500-meter champion Isaac Nader was honored with the Sports Talent Award. Nader did not attend the ceremony but conveyed his gratitude through a message.
Canoeist Fernando Pimenta, an acclaimed athlete with multiple European and World titles and Olympic medals from London 2012 and Tokyo 2020, received the Sports Foundation Prestige Award. Susana Feitor, former Olympic athlete and current chair of the Fundação do Desporto, along with Pedro Dias, Secretary of State for Sport, presented the award.
“I wasn’t expecting it at all, but it’s the unexpected moments that feel best,” Pimenta stated. “I want to thank my family and everyone who supported me on this journey.”
The awards ceremony, held at Lisbon’s Estufa Fria, was organized by Portugal’s Fundação do Desporto and the Spanish foundation “Patrocina un Deportista.”
Pedro Dias, Portugal’s Secretary of State for Sport, delivered the closing address. He cited athletes like Nader and Paralympic shooter Margarida Lapa as inspirational figures for younger generations.
Dias emphasized the importance of high-performance athletes balancing their sports careers with academic pursuits. He described this reconciliation as a crucial goal for the nation’s sporting talent.
The event drew a distinguished gathering of sports personalities. Among the attendees were former Olympic athletes Paulo Guerra (athletics), Emanuel Silva (canoeing), and Nuno Delgado (judo). Leaders from national sports bodies, including the presidents of the Portuguese Olympic and Paralympic Committees, Fernando Gomes and José Lourenço, were also present.
The Business Sports Awards aim to recognize individuals, companies, and institutions that support sports development in Portugal. The awards also distinguish Portuguese personalities who have achieved excellence in various sports competitions annually.
Several companies were also honored for their contributions across diverse categories. These included promoting health and physical activity, supporting sports for people with disabilities, social sports projects, inclusion, innovation, and initiatives concerning women, business, and sport.