Portugal emerged as the dominant force at the first AFVCPLP Beach Volleyball Tournament, held recently at the Portuguese Volleyball Federation’s (FPV) Beach Volleyball High Performance Centre in Cortegaça. The event brought together teams from Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Portugal, and São Tomé and Príncipe. Leveraging their extensive experience in international beach volleyball, the host nation claimed victory, securing gold medals in both the men’s and women’s categories.
In the men’s final, the formidable Portuguese duo of João Pedrosa and Hugo Campos, three-time national champions, decisively defeated the Mozambican team comprising José Mondlame and Osvaldo Mungoi in straight sets (2-0; 21-13, 21-15). The bronze medal match saw another Portuguese pair, the brothers Gonçalo and Tomás Sousa, who are national runners-up, secure third place by overcoming Nhan-Namat Matta and Seco Mossa from Guinea-Bissau with a 2-0 victory (21-10, 21-16).
The women’s competition concluded with an all-Portuguese final. Gabriela Coelho and Mariana Maia showcased a strong performance to beat fellow strong contenders Daniela Loureiro and Raquel Lacerda in a closely contested three-set match (2-1; 21-14, 15-21, 15-13). The third-place match featured the Cape Verdean sisters Ludmila Varela and Janice Varela, who earned the bronze medal by defeating the Mozambican pair Ângela Tembe and Vanessa Muianga 2-0 (21-18, 21-17).
The Association of Volleyball Federations of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (AFVCPLP) organises tournaments like this to promote collaboration and foster the growth of the sport among its member nations. The Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP), established in Lisbon on July 17, 1996, is an international body focused on strengthening friendship and cooperation among countries where Portuguese is an official language.
The Portuguese Volleyball Federation`s Beach Volleyball High Performance Centre (CARVP) in Cortegaça stands out as a premier facility, offering excellent conditions for training and competition. It has previously hosted significant events, including the finals of the National Beach Volleyball Circuits and the Veterans’ Championship, as well as training camps for international teams from countries such as Israel, Venezuela, England, Paraguay, Belgium, and Cape Verde, and stages of international beach volleyball tours.
The CARVP serves as a vital hub, providing logistical support for Portuguese national teams, facilitating observation and scouting for new talent, and hosting national and international events. The centre continues to expand its role and accessibility, making its facilities available not only for elite training but also for the broader community.
Through initiatives at the CARVP, the FPV conducts open training sessions to identify potential athletes for the National Beach Volleyball Teams (targeting duly affiliated players) and also offers training opportunities to the general public at the Cortegaça Sports Pavilion, further promoting the sport.
Jasper Thornfield 
Finley Blackwood