The Councils of Miranda do Corvo and Lousã will receive, on 29 November, theSports-Friendly Borough Award, presented by the Portuguese Association of Sports Management since 2016 and endorsed by the Secretary of State for Youth and Sport.
Every year the award recognises, boroughs that are distinguished by developing a policy of support for high-end sport.
In the case of Miranda do Corvo, which received the award for the first time, the recognition is due to the realisation of three events of international nature: Trilho dos Abutres (Trail), Miranda Cup (youth football), and Summer Cup (volleyball), the latter in partnership with other boroughs.
Next year, while the award is still current, Miranda do Corvo will host the Trail Running World Championship, where 1,500 athletes from 50 countries are expected to participate. The organisation of training courses for clubs and national teams from various European countries in track cycling and cricket and the re-accreditation of the borough's sports facilities are other investments.
Lousã Council is recognised as a 'Sports-Friendly Borough' for the second year running.
In awarding the distinction,a dozen areas of assessment were taken into account: sports organisation, facilities, events, programmes, ecological sustainability strategies, solidarity sport, partnerships, sporting reality, legislation, marketing, and innovation.
Aspects related to the management model implemented and its results, the development of a sustainable attitude through sport, solidarity and an inclusive approach through sport, and the excellence and comprehensiveness of the intervention models were also considered.
The distinction is awarded as part of the 19th National Congress of Sports Management.