Portugal seal Óbidos deal
Thursday, March 11, 2004
Article summary
The Portugal squad will prepare for UEFA EURO 2004™ at a training camp in Óbidos, near Leiria.
Article body
Peaceful surroundings
The news was confirmed by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) president, Dr Gilberto Madaíl, and corresponds to the wishes of national coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, who considers the quiet and peaceful surroundings of Óbidos to be the ideal location in which to prepare for the tournament.
'Best infrastructure'
"This is a gift to the national team, because we know that we will find here all the necessary requirements for a good performance in the finals," Dr Madaíl said. "We have been taking care of everything in the proper way, by selecting the best infrastructure and the best location so that the national side can perform well in EURO 2004™."
Hotel visit
Madaíl recently visited the Praia D'El Rey Marriott Golf and Beach Resort, the hotel where the team will be staying, along with FPF vice-president Amândio de Carvalho, general secretary Manuel Quaresma, sports director Carlos Godinho and press officer Afonso de Melo.
Consortium support
With the support of the Leiria Football Association, a consortium comprising the Óbidos town hall and the management of the hotel will help finance the Seleção's stay in Óbidos
Benefits for region
"Every region always has something to benefit from being associated with a big project and UEFA EURO 2004™ is, definitely, a very big project," said the mayor of Óbidos, Telmo Faria. "EURO 2004™ will have economical effects that, of course, will benefit Óbidos."
'Easier way'
"We are not talking about significant amounts of money," he added on the issue of the consortium. "We mainly are talking about accommodation and meals and when you have a fair number of partners, the financial resources come in an easier way." FPF representatives will soon meet with hotel management and Óbidos town hall officials to finalise the details of training pitches, security and meals.
