In an order published today in the Official Gazette the Government has opened the door to funding for the Portugal Open tennis torunament as it now is classed as "an event of excellence" capable of augmenting "the country's image in the international sports world."
Emidio Guerreiro, Secretary of State for Sport and Youth who signed the order considers that the tennis tournament contributes “unequivocally to the recognition of Portuguese sport at an international level and to affirm the country as a preferred venue for major sporting events.”
The decision comes weeks after João Lagos, tournament director, said that the event was in jeopardy due to lack of funding, blaming Turismo de Portugal which had said the tournament was ‘marginal’ in promoting the country.
"We took the same decision last year, which was not to support it," confirmed João Cotrim de Figueiredo of Turismo de Portugal who added that "our remit is to interpret the interest of an event for tourism and tourism promotional purposes and that it was in this context they had discussions with the event promoter, Mr. João Lagos.”
Now that the Secretary of State for Sport and Youth has decided the event is worthy of recognition it remains to be seen how Turismo de Portugal will react.
The tournament is €2 million short of target and any support and promotion from Turismo de Portugal will attract sponsors, making João Lagos’s job that much easier to ensure the 25th tournament will go ahead.
