CPISRA Multi-Sports Development Games held in Portimao, Portugal
18/10/2019
It's been a busy couple of months, and most recently the inaugural CPISRA Development Games were held in Portimao in the Algarve, Portugal between the 2nd and 6th of October. Being the first games of it's kind, PCAND did a fantastic job in organising 5 days of workshops and competition in RaceRunning, Wheelchair Slalom and Boccia.
In total, around 60 athletes, coaches and support staff took part in the Games. The majority of the competitors were from the host Nation, but Spain, England, Scotland and the Netherlands were all also represented at the competition. RaceRunning was held at the Lagos Athletics Stadium and involved two days of coaching followed by a competition day. In addition, a RaceRunning awareness workshop was organised and presented by Ana Nunes from the CPISRA RaceRunning Committee. Boccia and Slalom were based in the Portimao Indoor Arena. The Boccia events featured young athletes and, in addition to the traditional format of the sport, featured a skills competition which was played against the clock. The Slalom event featured an officials course delivered by Raul González and two days of training. The highlight of the Slalom was the first ever International slalom competition where Portugal went head to head against Spain, with the Spanish coming out on top on this occasion.
On the third day of the games, local schools and clubs came to the arena and were given the opportunity to try all the sports on offer at the Games. This opportunity was extended to competitors, allowing them to have a go at other sports. CPISRA would like to thank PCAND for having the drive and determination to make this event happen. Portimao is the 2019 city of Sport and CPISRA would also like to acknowledge the help and support provided by the Municipal Government of Portimao.