It is with deep regret that ACOLOP (Association of Portuguese-speaking Olympic Committees) announces the death of José Manuel Constantino, President of the Portuguese Olympic Committee, on 11 August 2024. His departure, on the closing day of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, leaves a huge void in the world of Portuguese sport and in the international Olympic community, especially in Lusophony. The date of his death immortalised him by symbolically coinciding with the extinguishing of the Olympic flame in Paris.
José Manuel Constantino was a unique figure on the national sports scene in Portugal, having dedicated decades of his life to the development and promotion of sport in Portugal. Throughout his career, he held several important positions, always with an unwavering commitment to Olympic values and the defence of sport as a factor of social inclusion.
In an interview with Visão magazine, published on the day of his death, José Manuel Constantino reflected on his career and the challenges facing the Olympic movement in the 21st century. In what was to be his last major interview, he emphasised the importance of responsible and transparent management of sports institutions, as well as the need to adapt sport to new social and technological demands. His legacy will undoubtedly be a source of inspiration for all those who believe in the transformative capacity of sport.
ACOLOP expresses its deepest condolences to his family, friends and all those who had the privilege of working alongside José Manuel Constantino. Lusophone sport has lost one of its greatest defenders, but his contribution will last beyond his time.
May the earth be light to him. The Lusophone Olympic Movement has become poorer.
