All European, World and Universiade Medallists
PORTO – The Figueira da Foz Casino hosted the 3rd University Sports Gala organised by FADU, the Portuguese University Sports Federation.
On its 20th anniversary year of FADU, various distinguished people attended the event – Pedro Dias (FISU Executive Committee member), João Roquette (Science, Technology and Higher Education Ministry representative), Luís Sardinha (President of the Portuguese Sports Institute), Vicente de Moura (President of the Portuguese Olympic Committee), Duarte Lopes (Portuguese Sports Confederation and ENAS Vice-president), Fernando Parente (FISU International Control Committee member), only to mention a few.
The Gala also gathered nine former Presidents of FADU, as well as representatives from Portuguese sports federations such as Athletics, Rugby, Badminton, Football, Volleyball, Table Tennis, Triathlon, Basketball, Handball, Swimming, Judo and Gymnastics.
Over 350 participants attended the Gala, with special reference to many athletes and coaches that were part of the Portuguese delegations at the 2009 Summer Universiade and the 2010 World University Championships. Many of these also represented teams that that took part in the European Universities Championships, and all the National University champions from 2009/2010.
At this Gala, FADU honoured all the athletes that won medals in FISU and EUSA events and also presented the Award winners in 5 categories – Best Coach, Best Female Athlete, Best Male Athlete, Best Male Team and Best Female Team. These awards were presented by FISU Executive Committee member Pedro Dias, together with the President of the Portuguese Sports Institute Luís Sardinha.
FISU CIC member Fernando Parente awards Portuguese Government representative under the eyes of FADU’s former Presidents
During the evening, a pleasant surprise occurred when FISU paid tribute to FADU. In speech, Pedro Dias travelled through the past, present and future of FADU, emphasizing the excellent work undertaken by FADU President André Couto and highlighting the exceptional contribution of Dr. Armando Rocha, FISU Honorary member, in the sports development of Portugal, mentioning FADU and Portugal’s moral debt to FISU and challenging them to bid for a Universiade. Pedro Dias referred that this project should be centred on the creation long term sports development conditions to achieve a level of sports excellence in Portugal.
In closing, Pedro Dias requested the presence on stage of all former Presidents of FADU, in order to attest FISU’s tribute to FADU and to the Portuguese Government. FISU members Pedro Dias and Fernando Parente handed over mementos to André Couto and Luís Sardinha respectively.
(Source: FADU)
FISU EC member Pedro Dias awards FADU President Andre Couto