ACOLOP
ACOLOP, is an Olympic-related non-profit organization officially established on June 8, 2004, in Lisbon. It was founded by the national Olympic committees of Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, East Timor, Guinea-Bissau, Macau, Mozambique, Portugal and São Tomé and Príncipe; it also includes Equatorial Guinea as an associate member. On April 2006, India and Sri Lanka were admitted also as associate members, based on their common historical past with Portugal.
The Portuguese-speaking countries are spread through four continents and reach a total population of about 250 million people. Portuguese thus occupies a place among the most spoken languages in the world. The purpose of reinforcing the bonds between these nations and promoting unity and cooperation through sport was the main reason for ACOLOP's creation.
Goals and projects
The goals which guide this organisation are:- The spreading of the Olympic ideals on every member country and territory;
- Equality, mutual respect and interest convergence-based cooperation between every member country and territory;
- Cooperation of every member country and territory on the definition of objectives, data exchange and common interests defense;
- Development of Olympic solidarity programs with the International Olympic Committee support;
- Cooperation on an Olympic Games mission-chief level;
- Joint-bids for places on the International Olympic Movement structure;
- Staging of the ACOLOP Games.
On June 8, 2007, precisely three years after the creation of the ACOLOP, the organization's new official portal was launched. Its servers are located on the organization's headquarters in Macau. This portal was established with the purpose of strengthening the communication between the Lusophone world and the ACOLOP. It serves also as a platform to display all news and activities concerning all member associations, especially those that do not have a portal.
Members
Founding members
- , China
Associate members
Organization structure
From January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2009, a new board will be led by Manuel Silvério, as result of elections carried on October 12, 2006. This board's official inauguration will take place in Macau, on 4 February 2007, site of the ACOLOP's headquarters. As José Vicente de Moura, is the 2009 Lusophony Games organizing committee president and the vice-president is Manuel Marques da Silva.| ACOLOP boards |
2004–2006 Executive Committee President
President
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2007–2009 Executive Committee President
General Secretary Assistant General Secretary
President
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