The city of Guarda recently hosted the annual National Gira-Volei Meeting (Encontro Nacional de Gira-Volei) for the very first time. Held on May 31st and June 1st at the Urban Park of Rio Diz, the event was a significant success. It drew approximately one thousand young athletes to Portugal`s `Highest City` (known for its 1,056m elevation), accompanied by thousands of family members and teachers. This attendance far surpassed expectations and provided a notable boost to the local economy.
According to Technical Director Leonel Salgueiro, this final phase of the competition represented “one of the most significant moments ever experienced by the Federation.” The Portuguese Volleyball Federation official emphasized that this National Meeting served as “the culmination of all the social, municipal, and regional stages held throughout the year across Portugal.” Salgueiro justified the choice of Guarda by highlighting “the existing expansion of Gira-Volei in the region” and the excellent facilities provided by the Urban Park. The “support and willingness shown by the municipality” were also decisive factors in the city`s selection for the event.
Organizing this event had been a long-cherished aspiration for the Guarda Volleyball Association. Its President, Nuno Lemos, expressed his satisfaction, stating that it was “a desire of many years and a goal of our late Mário Sucena, which finally came true this year.” Lemos, widely regarded as the primary driving force behind Gira-Volei in the region, affirmed that the organizers “did everything possible to make it an unforgettable experience for everyone,” and feedback from participants validates its success.
The event also had a considerable positive impact on the local economy, as noted by Nuno Lemos. The accommodation, catering, and retail sectors all experienced a significant increase in activity over the weekend.
Rui Melo, councilman for the Guarda City Council, who had urged local businesses to see the event as a “business opportunity,” estimated that the city welcomed “more than five thousand visitors, including athletes, family members, and teachers.” This influx contributed significantly to local vibrancy.
Since its initial edition in 2000 in Figueira da Foz, the National Gira-Volei Meeting has been hosted in various locations, including Castelo de Vide (four times), Oeiras (five times), Portimão (twice), and once each in Matosinhos/Macedo de Cavaleiros, Viana do Castelo, Torres Vedras, Maia, Miranda do Douro, and Viseu.
A Success Story: The Gira-Volei Program
Launched in 1998 by the Portuguese Volleyball Federation (FPV), Gira-Volei began as a project introducing volleyball to children and teenagers aged eight to 15. Today, 27 years later, it is recognized as one of the primary initiatives for sports promotion across Portugal, engaging over 100,000 young participants annually.
What started as encouragement for entering the sport has transformed into a dynamic and inspiring movement for the country`s youth. With its core characteristics of being `easy, fun, competitive, and inclusive,` it quickly expanded nationwide, reaching areas where establishing sports practice can be challenging due to limitations in infrastructure or availability of clubs.
Over its 27 years, Gira-Volei has been a pathway for athletes who have reached the national team and has spurred the creation of new clubs. Additionally, Gira+ (for those over 15), subsequently introduced by the Federation, offers continued participation opportunities for older Gira athletes. The program`s simplified 2×2 game format, designed to suit participants` technical and physical skills, keeps the activity `easy, fun, competitive, and inclusive,` maintaining youth interest and ensuring anyone can join, regardless of their socioeconomic background, gender, size, or physical appearance.
Gira-Volei plays a crucial role in the physical and motor development of children, especially during their early school years. Its benefits extend beyond sports, promoting healthy lifestyles, social inclusion, equal opportunities, and developing essential life skills such as teamwork, leadership, resilience, and self-confidence. Starting with approximately 70 centers, Gira-Volei has significantly grown and now operates over 1,800 hubs in more than 300 municipalities across Portugal.
This expansion has been made possible through strategic partnerships with school clusters and local authorities, allowing the sport to reach regions less familiar with Volleyball and stimulating the formation of new clubs. Widely regarded by many school officials and Gira-Volei center leaders as the largest initiation and sports incentive program, Gira-Volei has been fundamental in establishing Volleyball as currently the second most practiced sport in Portuguese schools, thereby spreading passion for the game throughout the entire country.
Jasper Thornfield 
Finley Blackwood