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Braga is the first Portuguese city to host the European Veterans Championship

Played every two years, in 2018 these championships took place in Madrid. The race, run by the European Master Athletics (EMA), was not held in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The organization estimates the presence of around 6 thousand people at the event, including athletes and companions, which will generate a significant economic impact for the City.

The competition will take place at the following locations: Altice Forum Braga, Dr. Braga dos Anjos Launch Center (Camélias), 1º Maio Stadium, 6th Cavalry Regiment (cross-country) and Monte Picoto (march and road).

2348 athletes from 42 countries have registered, with the youngest athlete being 35 years old and the oldest being 92 years old. Spain has the highest number of athletes (629), followed by Portugal (347), France (196) and Germany (188). The opening ceremony will take place on the 20th of February at Altice Forum Braga.

According to Ricardo Rio, this is an event that will play an important role in terms of the economic dynamism and visibility of the City. “It is a competition that will certainly have a great international echo, and Braga will once again prove that it has all the capacity to organize events of this magnitude”, he said, also remembering that EMACI is in line with the Municipality's policy of promoting the activity physical throughout life.

Sameiro Araújo, Sports Councilor for the Municipality of Braga, Kurt Kaschke, president of EMA, and Luis Jesus, president of Anav - National Veteran Athletics Association, were also present at the EMACI presentation press conference.