The Portuguese university canoeing team, which will take part in the world championships that start on Sunday in Montemor-o-Velho, Coimbra district, wants to equal or surpass the maximum of eight medals won in 2016 and 2022, officials said this Wednesday. . federations.
At a press conference for the event, held at the Centro Náutico de Montemor-o-Velho, Ricardo Nora, president of the Academic University Sports Federation (FADU Portugal), said the expectations of the national university team must be “exceeded or equalled” the eight medals won in Poland in 2022 (one gold, four silver and three bronze), the same number achieved eight years ago at the 2016 World Championships, also held on the Baixo Mondego track.
The same idea about the possibility of repeating or increasing the number of medals at the World University Championships, where 270 student athletes representing 24 countries are expected to participate, was expressed by Ricardo Machado, vice-president of the Portuguese Canoe Federation.
The official also recalled the “sporting and organizational success” of the competition held in Montemor-o-Velho in 2016, noting that the organization intends to repeat it.
Ricardo Machado also announced that the majority of the National University team will be made up of U23 athletes, whose training camp for the World Championships began this Wednesday at the Centro Náutico de Montemor-o-Velho.
Local councillor Décio Matias stressed that the municipality has an “excellent offer” in terms of water sports, “which is difficult to find in Portugal,” he noted.
The 2024 ISU Canoe Sprint World Championships is held under the auspices of the International University Sports Federation (FISU) and is organised by FADU Portugal in partnership with the Portuguese Canoe Federation, the Municipality of Montemor-o-Velho, the University of Coimbra and the Academic University of Coimbra Association.
The event involves around 400 people, including 66 university student volunteers, over six days in Montemor-o-Velho – from the 18th to the 24th of this month – although the competitive part, which includes speed and marathon events, takes place over four days, starting on the 21st.
When asked by Lusa about the budget for the event, the organisation explained that it was around 250,000 euros, partly supported by the registration of athletes and state funding of 25,000 euros.
According to promoters, each athlete pays 80 euros per day to participate in the world championships, which, given the 270 participants expected over four to six days, amounts to between 86,400 and 129,600 euros.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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