
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.

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

Rita Santos Rocha
Moderator
ESDRM / SPRINT
Professor / Director

Grégory Doucende
National Altitude Center CNEA Font Romeu
Scientist

Sérgio Fernandes
Municipality of Anadia
Head of Sports and Youth Division
16:00_Coffee Break

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

Danilo Ferreira
Portuguese Handball Federation
Wheelchair Head Coach
11:00_Coffee Break
11:30_Athlete Perspectives: Pathways, Challenges and Dual Careers in Paralympic Sport

Diogo Cancela
Swimming Paralympic Athlete
Bronze Medal Paris 2024

Norberto Mourão
Canoeing Paralympic Athlete
12:30_Lunch
14:30_Session 3 - Governance, Management and Certification of Training Centres

Manuel Valadas Pinho
EIC
Board Advisor

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?
18:00_Networking Time Out
DAY 3 SCHEDULE /25 SEPTEMBER
EUROPEAN FORUM - CINETEATRO RIO MAIOR
9:00_Session 4 – Leadership, People and Sustainable Performance

Jorge Braz
Portuguese Football Federation
Futsal National
Head Coach
10:30_Coffee Break
11:00_Athlete Perspectives: Behind the Medals, High Performance Systems, Support and
Sustainable Success

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


















