The Association of Portuguese-speaking Olympic Committees (ACOLOP) and World Rowing, the international rowing federation, have signed an important Memorandum of Understanding with the aim of promoting the sustainable development of the sport in Portuguese-speaking countries.
The agreement was signed by the President of ACOLOP, Filomena Fortes, and the President of World Rowing, Jean-Christophe Rolland, in a ceremony that reinforced their shared commitment to valorising sport as a tool for social inclusion, education and cooperation between Portuguese-speaking peoples.
A strategic alliance for the future of rowing in Lusophony
The Memorandum defines a series of co-operation priorities aimed at expanding and consolidating rowing in the ACOLOP member countries. The main actions include:
Support for the creation of National Rowing Federations, recognised by the respective National Olympic Committees, in countries where the sport is not yet formally represented;
Reinforcing the visibility of ACOLOP's activities through World Rowing's institutional platforms;
Promotion of joint applications to the Olympic Solidarity programmes of the International Olympic Committee (IOC);
Partnerships with sports equipment manufacturers to guarantee access to suitable materials for the development of the sport;
Technical training and continuing education for athletes, coaches, referees and officials in Portuguese-speaking countries;
Development of youth courses for beginners to rowing, with continuity up to high performance, aligned with events such as the Lusophone Games;
Promoting gender equality by increasing competitive opportunities and support structures in member countries.
Inclusion of Rowing in the Lusophone Games
The protocol also provides for Rowing to be included as an official sport in future editions of the Lusophone Games, starting in 2025, reinforcing ACOLOP's role as a platform for multi-sport and cultural development between Portuguese-speaking countries.
Lasting co-operation
This Memorandum of Understanding is valid indefinitely and will be reviewed annually until the end of June, ensuring continuous evolution and adapted to the needs of the countries involved.
ACOLOP reaffirms its commitment to sport as a bridge between cultures
The signing of this agreement represents another firm step by ACOLOP in strengthening its multilateral relations and promoting new sports in the Portuguese-speaking area, consolidating sport as a unifying link between communities and cultures.
"This is a historic moment for ACOLOP and for Lusophone sport. With this Memorandum, we open the door to new opportunities and reaffirm our commitment to inclusive and sustainable development through sport," said Filomena Fortes, President of ACOLOP.