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THE BID
 THE STORY OF A WINNING PROJECT The presence of the Volvo Ocean Race 2011-2012 in Lisbon was a result of a complex application process that was attended by 34 European cities - but the Portuguese capital, due to its maritime history, extraordinary conditions for sailing and proven in major events organization was chosen to host the important 'stopover' that will bring the fleet of the Volvo Ocean Race from the Americas to the 'Old Continent'. "Portugal is a country of navigators who gave new worlds to the world and its capital Lisbon was the starting point for the fabulous saga of the Discoveries", said in announcing the victory of the Lusitanian application, António Costa, Mayor of Lisbon; "a city of historic vocation as transatlantic could only be associated with the greatest ocean adventure of modern times - and it is with great honor and pride that we integrate the global route of the Volvo Ocean Race.". After the Expo '98, the Tennis Masters Cup Lisbon 2000, the Euro 2004 and the Dakar, among other events, the transatlantic stage of the Volvo Ocean Race will again place the name of Portugal in the first world level: "It is very important to have Lisbon as a city in our stopovers. It has excellent conditions for sailing and racing practice of 'in-port' is certainly spectacular. After the rigors of crossing the Atlantic it will be a pleasure to get to the Portuguese capital", said Knut Frostad, CEO of the Volvo Ocean Race. Interestingly, the arrival point of the best navigators of modern times is precisely the place where the ships set sail that opened new horizons to the world. For historical reasons and geographical location, Portugal is a hyphen between the privileged Europe, Africa and the Americas. "After losing the bid to organize the America's Cup in 2007, we can only rejoice at the conquest of Portugal for such an important event. Not just because we beat other candidates as well as prominent as it will have enormous historical and symbolic significance in his visit to Lisbon, more precisely in the same place where six centuries ago the Portuguese gave a new dimension to the world", said João Lagos. "In our curriculum we already have the organization of prestigious sailing events, the Volvo Ocean Race is an event of global importance that will help further promote sport and tourism Portuguese, not only for attracting tourists but rather by a projection attractive and prestigious image of the country and our strengths. It also serves to Portugal to regain the edge of the sea and to promote reflection around large companies, and Portugal, through projects such as the extension of the continental shelf, should continue to explore new frontiers and foster nautical maritime economy." |
