High performance sport practice is currently recognized as an important factor of sport development. In addition to enjoying a strong social impact, it fosters an interest and enthusiasm which ultimately contribute to the generalization of sport practice. The Portuguese Government, both in its Programme for Government, and in the Planning Options, has defined the construction and implementation of measures to support and encourage High Performance sport practice as a strategic line, by creating conditions for the construction of a network of sports infrastructures named High Performance Sports Centres (HPSC)/HIGHSPORTUGAL.
These specialized sports infrastructures comply with other two strategic objectives:
- They are a factor of international spotlight;
- They are catalysts for local, regional and national growth and development.
The construction of High Performance Sports Centres/HighsPortugal by the Portuguese Government aimed at the creation of infrastructures with specialized features and oriented towards the improvement and training of high performance practitioners, by promoting the qualification and development of the various sports according to international-level standards.
The mission of the Portuguese network of High Performance Sports Centres/HighsPortugal is to meet the needs of national and international sports federations that wish to use the centres.
Currently there are fourteen High Performance Sports Centres/HighsPortugal operating in Portugal.
WHY CHOOSE AN HIGH PERFORMANCE SPORTS CENTRE IN PORTUGAL?
PRIVILEDGE WEATHER CONDITIONS
Portugal has unique climatic characteristics with the mildest temperatures in Europe, with approximately 3,000 hours of sunshine and 100 rainy days on average per year.
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION AND ACCESSIBILITY
As regards to accessibility, all HPCs are less than one hour away from international airports in Portugal (Lisbon, Oporto and Faro) and linked by highways. Growing number of airlines, including low-cost, operating in Portugal.
FACILITIES QUALITY
The sport facilities conform to the state of the art technical requirements. The facilities provide accessibility for disabled people.
PORTUGUESE HOSPITALITY
Portuguese hospitality and safety is an added value for athletes and entourages. In Portugal we can find a high quality and varied hotel offer with spas and wellness centres of reputable brands.
HEALTH CARE FACILITIES
Portugal has a large number of high quality health care facilities, with a very good geographical coverage and performance standards comparable with the best international references.
PORTUGAL, A COUNTRY READY TO LEAD YOU TO SUCCESS
Hospitality, great weather conditions and a privileged geography are some of the major reasons for Portugal being an excellent country for the practice of the most diverse sports, in which elite athletes easily find the conditions needed to achieve the so desired success.
In Portugal, teams, coaches and athletes will find a harmonious and stable country in which they will not have to worry about anything else besides training, preparing the body and the mind to win and to achieve the desired trophies. There are 1230 km of coastline, mountainous terrain to the north and plains to the south, as well as a mild Mediterranean climate that give Portugal excellent natural characteristics that promotes high performance training.
When you choose Portugal, you’re choosing a country that knows how to welcome you, economically and politically stable and that seeks to give all its visitors good reasons to stay long. With a population dedicated to welcoming the best, of which about 80% speak English easily and with an healthy and well balanced Mediterranean cuisine, Portugal provides the ideal conditions for success. Added to this is the low cost of living coupled with a high standard of living throughout the country.
The victories and trophies will thus be closer, thanks also to the fantastic infrastructures that the country offers through its High Performance Sports Centres, and also the professionals dedicated to you.
Portugal is a prime location to invest, to do business and to live and has a favorable business environment, with strategic access to markets, competitive operating costs, modern infrastructure networks, commitment with skills and knowledge and human resources proficient, dedicated and competent.
These factors have contributed to significant investments in industry, tourism, commerce and services.
A COUNTRY WITH INFRASTRUCTURES THAT REFLECT ITS EXCELLENCE
Portugal has 5 international seaports, 3 international airports in Lisbon, Porto and Faro with daily passenger flights to and from the world’s major cities, as well as a nationwide rail and road network that connects the various points of interest in the country.
A COUNTRY LOOKING FOR THE FUTURE
With almost nine centuries of well-defined geographical boundaries and a stable political system, Portugal is an EU member, part of the EMS (European Monetary System) and using the single European currency.
Portugal is a laboratory for new technologies. The national network of science centres and Technology (I&D&I) interacts with the private sector in areas such as biotechnology, telecommunications, nanotechnology, renewable energy, chemicals, aerospace, automotive, ICT, electronics, manufacturing technologies, health, forest and paper, biomedicine, among others.
Portugal offers high quality services: international schools, attractive housing, education and health systems, shopping centres and recreational and cultural facilities, among others.
HOSPITALITY, GEOGRAPHY, CLIMATE AND SAFETY ARE THE MAIN ELEMENTS THAT JUSTIFY THE CHOICE FOR PORTUGAL
CHOOSE PORTUGAL, WITHOUT ANY DOUBTS.
- Among the enrolled sites on the UNESCO World Heritage list, 13 are located in Portugal.
- The European Consumers Choice Awards ranked Lisbon as “Best Destination 2010”.
- Lisbon was voted one of the 42 cities in the world with the highest quality of life (Worldwide Quality of Living Survey 2011, Mercer).
- With more than 30 golf courses, the Algarve was elected, twice, the world’s best golf destination.
PORTUGAL AND SPORTS
Portuguese people have a very close relationship with sports, proven with the quality of the sports infrastructures offered and the results obtained internationally by its athletes.
In addition to the individual capabilities of athletes, technical development and privileged access to the best infrastructures in the national network of high performance sports centers throughout the country are also very important.