The Portuguese Olympic Committee (COP) honored the best of Portuguese sport at SUD Lisboa Hall, during the “Olympic Celebration 2025” event, which was attended by the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.

ICMG Secretary General Iakovos Filippousis represented the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games at the prestigious gala and awarded the young athlete of speed skating Jéssica Rodrigues. Mr Filippousis had also fruitful discussions with the COP President Fernando Gomes and General Director Pedro Farromba discussions in view of the Mediterranean Beach Games of 2027 in the Portuguese cities of Portimao and Lagoa.

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The World Athletics Champions, Isaac Nader (1500m) and Pedro Pichardo (triple jump), and the Canoeists, Gustavo Gonçalves, João Ribeiro, Messias Baptista, and Pedro Casinha (K4 500m), received the Sports Excellence Award. The National Olympic Order went to the first Portuguese Olympic champion, Carlos Lopes, as we are at the beginning of the Olympic cycle that will culminate in Los Angeles 2028, on the very stage where he won the gold medal at 1984.

The José Manuel Constantino Award, which honors the legacy of the former COP president, was presented to the Bastinhos Handball School of Celorico de Basto.

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Fernando Gomes, President of the Portuguese Olympic Committee said: “This is a night of gratitude. Gratitude to those who gave their best in the competitions they contested, on the tatamis, in the pools, on the pitches, and on so many other international stages; gratitude to the coaches who demand excellence and care for their athletes daily; gratitude to the leaders and clubs who, often with limited resources, make the dream of competing at the highest level come true; and gratitude to everyone who, behind the scenes, works for the dignity and elevation of sport.

Since the beginning of the year, we have been experiencing a particularly auspicious period, as this year Portugal has recorded its best annual results in World Championships. These successes are not a coincidence, but rather the confirmation of the impact of the work and investment made, the planning, and the dedication that involves clubs, federations, coaches, families, and public and private entities. But, above all, they are proof that when we have adequate conditions – training, science, infrastructure, and multidisciplinary support – our athletes respond with excellence.”

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The President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, made the presentation of official state decorations to the Olympic and World Champions present in the room:

• Carlos Lopes was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit.
• Pedro Pichardo was made Grand Officer of the Order of Prince Henry (Infante D. Henrique).
• Iúri Leitão was made Grand Officer of the Order of Merit.
• Gustavo Gonçalves, João Ribeiro, Messias Baptista, and Pedro Casinha received the degree of Officer of the Order of Merit.

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