European Olympic Committees (EOC) President Spyros Capralos was honoured with the prestigious Prémio Prestígio award during a two-day visit to Lisbon to meet with the Portuguese National Olympic Committee (COP).

The award is presented to people who have made a significant contribution to sport during their careers and President Capralos received his at the COP Olympic Celebration 2023 on 16 November.

On 15 November, President Capralos visited the COP’s headquarters and met with members of the Portuguese team to discuss the events held by the EOC in 2023, including the European Games 2023, and their preparations for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 next summer.

Ahead of the Olympic Celebration, President Capralos visited the High Performance Centre in Jamor, where he held meetings with the Presidents of the national federations for swimming, athletics and rugby, as well as several athletes preparing for the Olympic Games. President Capralos was also welcomed by the Deputy Minister of Parliamentary Affairs of Portugal, Ana Catarina Mendes.

President Capralos expressed his honour at being awarded the Prémio Prestígio and his belief that Portugal will enjoy a successful Olympic Games in Paris following his tours of the sporting facilities available for elite athletes.

President Capralos said: “Thank you for presenting me with this prestigious award. It is a privilege to be in Lisbon and I am honoured to receive this recognition.

“As one of the oldest National Olympic Committees, Portugal’s commitment to the Olympic Movement and their achievements are something we all recognise. I know that Pedro Pichardo will have the eyes of the nation on him during the triple jump in Paris and I hope that he reaches great heights and great distances again, accompanied by new Portuguese names.

“Beyond the Olympic Games, the NOC’s commitment to the European Movement has been very welcome. It was wonderful to see Portugal embrace the opportunities of the third European Games earlier this year as they won 16 medals.

“These results have been achieved thanks to the state-of-the-art facilities that I have seen first-hand since I arrived in Portugal and these venues are providing athletes with the best possible platform to perform.

“Discussions with sports leaders, both in the NOC and the national federations, assured me that Portuguese sport is in the hands of the right people, dedicated to ensuring they continue to succeed both on and off the field of play.”