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THE
PROGRAMME

The programme of the 2026 ASPC European Forum is structured around four main thematic areas that reflect the key challenges and priorities of high-performance sport in Europe.

The Forum will explore the role of research, innovation and development within Training Centres, highlighting how knowledge, technology and applied practice contribute to the evolution of high-performance environments. It will also address Paralympic sport, inclusion and specific needs, promoting a deeper understanding of integrated systems that support excellence across diverse athlete profiles.

A strong focus will be placed on governance, management and certification of Training Centres, examining organisational models, funding frameworks and quality standards that underpin sustainable and effective high-performance systems. Complementing this perspective, the programme will also explore leadership, people and sustainable performance, emphasising the human dimension of sport, including leadership, mental health, dual careers and long-term athlete development.

Throughout the Forum, these themes will be approached through a combination of expert presentations, moderated discussions and applied case studies, creating a dynamic environment that encourages reflection, exchange and collaboration between participants from different national contexts.

Rather than a sequence of isolated sessions, the programme is designed as a connected and coherent experience, where each thematic area contributes to a broader reflection on the future of Training Centres and high-performance sport in Europe.

The detailed agenda and confirmed speakers will be announced in due course, reflecting the Forum’s commitment to bringing together leading expertise and diverse perspectives from across the European high-performance landscape.

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IN THIS FORUM,

EVERYONE

HAS A VOICE.

DAY 1 SCHEDULE /23 SEPTEMBER 

GENERAL ASSEMBLY - RIO MAIOR SPORTS CENTRE

9:00_ASPC Europe Continental Meeting (members only)
10:30_XIII ASPC GA (members only)

ASPC EUROPEAN FORUM - CINETEATRO RIO MAIOR

10:00_Registration & Check-in Open

14:00_Opening Ceremony
14:45_Session 1 – Research, Innovation and Development in Training Centres

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Rita Santos Rocha

Moderator

ESDRM / SPRINT

Professor / Director

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Emiliano Ventura

Bio Performance Center – Motor & Sport Institute (MSI)

Director

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Grégory Doucende

National Altitude Center CNEA Font Romeu

Scientist

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 Nuno Ramos

Nelo Kayaks

Chief Technology Officer

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Sérgio Fernandes

 Municipality of Anadia

Head of Sports and Youth Division 

16:00_Coffee Break

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Huguette Yéré

Programme Manager
Olympic Games Universality Unit

Olympic Solidarity – Athletes and Sport Development Division

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Gabriel Mendes

Portuguese Cycling Federation

National Track Cycling Coach

17:45_Networking Time Out
19:30_Official Dinner

DAY 2 SCHEDULE /24 SEPTEMBER 

EUROPEAN FORUM - CINETEATRO RIO MAIOR

9:00_Session 2 – Paralympic Sport, Inclusion and Specific Needs

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Nuno Pimenta

Moderator

ESDRM

Dean

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Danilo Ferreira

Portuguese Handball Federation

Wheelchair Head Coach

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Leila Marques

International Paralympic Committee

Vice President

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Mariana Mello

Brazilian Olympic Comitte

Head of Special Sports Projects

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11:00_Coffee Break
11:30_Athlete Perspectives: Pathways, Challenges and Dual Careers in Paralympic Sport

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Carla Oliveira
Boccia Paralympic Athlete

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Leila Marques

Moderator

International Paralympic Committee

Vice President

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David Grachat

Office of the Portuguese Secretary of State for Sport
Specialist Adviser

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Diogo Cancela

Swimming Paralympic Athlete

Bronze Medal Paris 2024

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Norberto Mourão

Canoeing Paralympic Athlete

12:30_Lunch


14:30_Session 3 - Governance, Management and Certification of Training Centres

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Miguel Pacheco

Moderator

Rio Maior Sports Centre

CEO

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António Silva

European Aquatics President

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Manuel Valadas Pinho

EIC

Board Advisor

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Mark Davies

UK Sport

Partnership and ETE Advisor

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Pedro Mil-Homens

FIFA

Academy System

Project Lead

16:30_Coffee Break
17:00_Panel Discussion - What Does Elite Sport Expect from Training Centres at Major Events?

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Diana Gomes

Moderator

Portuguese Olympic Committee

Secretary General

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Josep Escoda

ASPC

Secretary General

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Mariana Mello

Brazilian Olympic Comitte

Head of Special Sports Projects

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Miguel Arrobas

Portuguese Swimming Federation

President

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18:00_Networking Time Out

DAY 3 SCHEDULE /25 SEPTEMBER 

EUROPEAN FORUM - CINETEATRO RIO MAIOR

9:00_Session 4 – Leadership, People and Sustainable Performance

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Filipa Godinho

Portuguese Football League Business School

Director

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Jorge Braz

Portuguese Football Federation

Futsal National

Head Coach

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Miguel Laranjeiro

Portuguese Handball Federation

President

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Rui Lança 

Sports Director

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Susana Rodrigues

Moderator

IPDJ

Department Director

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10:30_Coffee Break
11:00_Athlete Perspectives: Behind the Medals, High Performance Systems, Support and
Sustainable Success

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Susana Feitor

Moderator

Portuguese Sports Foundation

President

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Emanuel Silva

Portuguese Comission of Olympic Athletes

President

To be announced

To be announced

12:30_Closing Session - Closing Reflections & Future Directions


13:00_Closing Lunch

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