On Saturday, 8 February 2025, Portuguese judo star Patrícia Sampaio acquired a prestigious honour in her hometown of Tomar because the native sports activities corridor was formally renamed in her honour. The ceremony came about in the course of the junior nationwide judo championships and was attended by the Mayor of Tomar, Mr. Hugo Cristóvão; the President of the Portuguese Judo Federation, Mr. Sérgio Pina; the President of the Santarém Judo Affiliation, Mr. António Leal; EJU Vice President, Mrs. Catarina Rodrigues, in addition to varied sports activities officers, younger athletes and native supporters.
The occasion got here simply days after Sampaio’s outstanding gold medal win on the Paris Grand Slam 2025, additional cementing her standing as one in every of Portugal’s prime judoka. The choice to rename the ability recognised her contributions to the game and her function as an inspiration for younger athletes in Tomar and past.
The ceremony commenced with a speech by Mr. Leal, who expressed his honour on the Metropolis Council’s recognition of Patrícia Sampaio. Following, Mr. Pina recalled the exhilarating afternoon in Paris the place he had the privilege of witnessing Sampaio obtain an unforgettable victory for Portuguese judo. Mayor Cristóvão then delivered an inspiring deal with, stating:
I often say welcome to Tomar, capital of the Templars, however right now I welcome you all to Patrícia Sampaio Sports activities Corridor! Patrícia is an emblem of dedication and excellence. Her achievements deliver satisfaction to Tomar, and it is just becoming that we have fun her legacy on this method.
A visibly moved Sampaio expressed her gratitude too in the course of the ceremony, saying:
I’m very honoured to signify the game that I like. I’m very grateful for all of the people who judo has given me. Welcome to Patrícia Sampaio Sports activities Corridor! As I often say: My house is your property.
After the speeches, EJU Vice President, Mrs. Catarina Rodrigues, on behalf of EJU President Dr. Tóth László, introduced the 4 key figures with a Paris Plaque, a particular award created to honour all European Olympic medallists on the Paris 2024 Olympic Video games. Mrs Rodrigues emphasised the importance of this second:
The EJU is honoured to be related to this event. It’s a symbolic however deeply significant second for Patrícia, for the town of Tomar, for Portuguese judo and for the European Judo Union. Recognition of this scale not often occurs so rapidly, and we thank the Tomar Metropolis Council for taking this initiative. This ensures that Patrícia Sampaio will expertise the honour of getting a sports activities corridor named after her for a few years to come back.
Following the speeches, a commemorative plaque was unveiled, formally marking the renaming of the pavilion. Sampaio’s relations took half within the unveiling, including a private and heartfelt contact to the celebration.
As soon as once more, welcome to the Patrícia Sampaio Sports activities Corridor, an area devoted to ardour, perseverance and sporting excellence!
Supply: Portuguese Judo Federation
Photographs: Binóculos Filmes
Writer: EJU Media
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