Lausanne, Switzerland – June 24, 2025 — In a landmark initiative to promote the growth of Rowing across Portuguese-speaking nations, the Association of Olympic Committees of Portuguese Official Language (ACOLOP) and World Rowing (WR) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster sustainable development and expand the sport’s reach.
The agreement, signed by ACOLOP President Filomena Fortes and World Rowing President Jean-Christophe Rolland, is a legacy outcome of the 4th ACOLOP Lusophone Olympic Congress. It marks a significant step forward in strengthening collaboration between the two organisations. The MoU outlines a shared commitment to support National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and National Federations (NFs) in Lusophone countries through strategic initiatives, educational programmes, and international sporting opportunities.
The MoU signature ceremony took place in the World Rowing headquarters at the Maison du Sport International, in Lausanne.
Under the terms of the MoU, ACOLOP and WR will work together to enhance capacity building and expand access to sport within the Olympic Movement across Portuguese-speaking nations. This includes technical support, training programs, and the development of youth pathways in rowing.
A key highlight of the agreement is the inclusion of Rowing as a competitive sport in future editions of the Lusophone Games, beginning with the next edition in September 2026. This upcoming event will adopt a new beach-based format, reflecting the coastal heritage of ACOLOP member countries. The shift not only reduces organisational costs but also aligns with environmental sustainability goals and the promotion of the blue economy.
Additionally, the Lusophone Games will serve as a preparatory platform for the Youth Olympic Games (YOG), offering NOCs and International Federations a valuable opportunity to collaborate on youth athlete development.
“This collaboration is a testament to our shared vision of inclusion, excellence, and global growth,” said Jean-Christophe Rolland. “We look forward to seeing Youth Rowing thrive in the Lusophone world.”
Photo credit World Rowing @Mauricie Summers