Portimão Announces a Packed Week of Free Sporting Fun!
Get your trainers ready! Portimão is set to celebrate the European Week of Sport from the 23rd to the 30th of September, and everyone in the community is invited to join in. Under the banner of the Europe-wide #BeActive initiative, the Municipality of Portimão, in partnership with the Portuguese Institute of Sport and Youth (IPDJ), has put together a fantastic and completely free programme of activities for all ages.
This special week is all about reinforcing Portimão’s commitment to being an active town that promotes sport for everyone, helping to improve our quality of life and combat sedentary lifestyles. Local clubs, associations, and all five of the council’s school groups are involved, ensuring the events reach every corner of our community.
Here’s a look at some of the highlights you won’t want to miss:
Kick-Off on the Beach (23rd September)
The week launches in style at Praia da Rocha with an Open Day of beach activities starting from 10:00. Come along and try your hand at beach football, volleyball, and beach tennis. The opening day will also see the launch of the new SUAVA app (Universal System for Supporting Active Life), designed to help you stay active all year round.
Spotlight on Seniors (25th September)
A key focus of the week is on our older residents. The National Senior Walk is a major highlight, with participants meeting at 09:00 for a 09:30 start along Portimão’s beautiful riverside area. You can register on the day for this wonderful event organised by the Portimão Culture Institute.
That’s not all for seniors! On the same day, there will be:
- Two free swimming lessons at Portimão Municipal Pool (08:00 and 09:40), run by Portinado. Booking is essential, so please email info@portinado.com or call 282 415 456.
- Two open hydro-gymnastics classes (09:00 and 18:20) and a Pilates class (10:00) at the Mexilhoeira Grande Sports Complex. Again, booking is required by the 24th of September via cdmexgrande@cm-portimao.pt or by calling 282 248 571.
Fun for Families and Young People
The younger generation has plenty to get excited about. On the 26th of September, local schools will take part in “The World’s Biggest PE Lesson” from 10:30. Later that day, a session called “More Judo, Less Scroll” will be held at the Alvor Community Centre at 17:30.
On Saturday, the 27th, it’s all about family fun with the “Fitness Experience Portimão” from 10:00 to 13:00 at the Portimão Marina and Sports Area. Viva Gym Portimão invites everyone to try out Body Attack, Zumba, and a Bootcamp session.
New Thrills and Night-Time Chills (27th September)
Adrenaline junkies, take note! The first-ever Portimão Bowl Cup will take place at the Skate Park in Parque da Juventude from 14:00 on the 27th. Organised by the SK 8500 Skate Club, the event promises incredible manoeuvres and a great atmosphere, with a €500 prize up for grabs. Entry is free, with categories for U15s and Open (male and female).
As evening falls, why not try something different? The popular BeActive Night returns with a night-time hydro-gymnastics class at the Alvor Sports Complex at 20:00. This free event is always a hit, so be sure to book your spot.
Train Your Mind as Well as Your Body (27th September)
The week also includes the “Improve your mind & sport” seminar, focusing on mental training for sports performance and the psychological development of young athletes. This IPDJ-certified training session is open to everyone—parents, athletes, coaches, and clubs. It runs from 10:00 to 18:00 at the Portimão Museum Auditorium. It is free to attend, but registration is mandatory.
Even More Community Events
The programme is brimming with activities from local clubs, including:
- A Family Dance Workshop by Teia D’Impulsos.
- The XII António Moura Trophy and the António Pereira Fishing Competition, both hosted by the Portimão Naval Club.
- The VIII Great Soapbox Race in Mexilhoeira Grande.
- A Dawn Walk organised by the Clube Naval D. João II in Alvor.
An Inclusive Finale (29th-30th September)
The week wraps up with a focus on inclusivity. On the 29th, there will be a senior and adapted karate class at 18:00 in the square by the old fish market (lota). Finally, on the 30th at 15:00, everyone is invited to try “Parkour for All” at the Fairs and Exhibitions Park to learn more about this exciting discipline.
With a huge range of events from walking and swimming to parkour and skateboarding, the European Week of Sport in Portimão truly has something for everyone. It’s a brilliant opportunity to try something new, have fun, and celebrate the benefits of an active and healthy lifestyle.
