ALBUFEIRA MAKES HISTORY IN SCHOOL SPORTS 

On 27 and 28 February, Albufeira hosted the National School Cross Country Final at the Açoteias Cross Country Track. The event brought together more than 1,100 students from across Portugal, ranging from 4th to 12th grade. According to the municipality's vice-president, Jorge Carmo, investing in sport as a core element of children's and young people's education remains a top priority.

Thecompetition was organised by the Municipality of Albufeira in partnership with the Directorate-General for Education, through the National School Sports Coordination, and the Directorate-General for School Establishments.

Participating delegations were welcomed on 27 February with a reception that included music and activities for both students and teachers. The races themselves took place the following morning at the iconic Açoteias track.

In total, the event gathered over 1,100 students from across the country, including participants from the autonomous regions of the Azores and Madeira. They were supported by 312 teachers, 110 student volunteers, and around 100 staff members from the schools involved.

The competition formed part of the "Albufeira European City of Sport 2026" programme, reinforcing the municipality's commitment to promoting physical activity, healthy lifestyles, and sport within the school environment.

During the awards ceremony, Jorge Carmo emphasised the importance of continuing to invest in sport as a key pillar in young people's development, reaffirming the municipality's commitment to creating high-quality conditions for sports practice.

Meanwhile, the Secretary of State for Sport, Pedro Dias, highlighted the role of school sport in fostering essential civic values such as respect, cooperation, and fair play. The event was also attended by the Director-General for Education, David Sousa.