The 15th University Sports Gala, organized by the Portugal University Sports Federation (FADU), was held in Viseu, at Pousada Pestana, on November 12th, and brought together the academic and sports community to celebrate the achievements related to the 2023/2024 season.

The night was attended by institutional figures and sports representatives, who attended the recognition of athletes, clubs and entities that stood out for their dedication to university sports.

The gala began with institutional speeches by the president of FADU, Mr Ricardo Nora, and prominent figures such as Mr José dos Santos Costa, President of the Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, Mr Pedro Ribeiro, councilor of the Chamber of Viseu, and Mr Joaquim Mourato, General Director of Superio Education.

After the speeches, the athletes who represented Portugal in the World University Championships were honored, highlighting their achievements in canoeing, cycling, men's beach soccer, women's futsal and men's volleyball.

Portugal competed in international events organized by the International University Sports Federation (FISU), having recorded the highest participation ever in canoeing at the World University Championships, held in Montemor-o-Velho, where it won 11 medals. João Cruz stood out in cycling with a silver medal, and the women's beach soccer and futsal teams were runners-up. In men's beach volleyball, Portugal won the bronze medal.

The achievements achieved at the European Universities Games and the European Universities Rowing Championships organized by the European University Sports Association (EUSA) were also celebrated. Portugal participated in 15 of the 17 sport disciplines of the European Universities Games in Debrecen-Miskolc, with more than 370 athletes from 32 clubs, winning a total of 21 medals and reaching 8th place in the European medal list.

After a brief break, the gala continued with the presentation of institutional awards. The Visit Portugal Award distinction was awarded for the first time and recognized the University Sports Association of Poland (AZS), for its participation with 35 members in competitions organized in Portugal.

The municipalities that most supported university sports in 2023/2024 were also honored. FADU distinguished the municipal councils of Viseu, Covilhã, Maia, Matosinhos and Figueira da Foz for their logistical and institutional support for holding various university sporting events.

In the third part of the event, merit awards were handed out to the associations and clubs that stood out the most in university sports, as well as the Career Award. The Career Award recognized three personalities who said goodbye to a long and illustrious sporting career: gymnast Filipa Martins, taekwondo athlete Rui Bragança and marathon runner Sara Moreira. These athletes made a mark on Portuguese sport at a national and international level, with a stint in university sport.

At the end of the gala, the last awards were given including: the University Club Trophy (TUC), the Best of the Year awards,the Coach of the Year and Team of the Year awards. 

For more information, please see https://www.fadu.pt/