CPLP Technical Commission Analyzes Preparations for the 12th edition of the CPLP Sports Games
The Technical Monitoring Committee (TAC) of the Organization of the Games of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP, acronym in portuguese) is in Timor-Leste from february 22 to March 1 to assess the logistical conditions and infrastructure for the 12th edition of the CPLP Sports Games, which will be held in Dili from July 17 to 25, 2025. During their stay in the country, the team met with government authorities, visited the competition venues and presented technical recommendations to optimize the organization of the event. 
The Sports Coordinator of the CPLP Conference of Ministers of Youth and Sport, Jorge Carvalho, who is leading this team, highlighted the progress in preparations since the last visit and underlined the importance of the initiative for strengthening sport in Timor-Leste. “Since our last visit, we have seen significant progress in the upgrading of sports infrastructures. It is essential to ensure that all the conditions are in place to welcome the 800 or so athletes who will take part in this edition of the Games,” he said. 
The CTA inspected the Dili Municipal Stadium, the Beach Volleyball Field in Lecidere, the Dili Gymnasium and the Dili Convention Center, which will host competitions in the various sports scheduled, including soccer, volleyball, basketball, taekwondo, karate and chess. The visit also included meetings with the Ministries of Youth, Sport, Art and Culture, Health, Interior and Transport and Communications, as well as meetings with the Local Organizing Committee of the CPLP Sports Games. 
The Secretary of State for Art and Culture, Jorge Cristóvão, reaffirmed the government's commitment to organizing the Games and adopting the recommendations issued by the CTA. “The technical team appreciated the preparations and recognized the work done so far. We will continue to coordinate with the participating countries and ensure that all the necessary conditions are in place for the event to take place,” he said.
The CTA's visit was also an opportunity to discuss the involvement of the local community in the Games. The government is organizing a pool of volunteers made up of around 200 university students, who will accompany the delegations and help make the event more dynamic. 
The CPLP Sports Games are a multi-sport competition for athletes under the age of 16, aimed at promoting cooperation and solidarity between Portuguese-speaking countries. Since its creation in 1992, eleven editions have been held, and this is the first time Timor-Leste is hosting the event. The Timorese Executive approved a budget of 3.73 million US dollars for the organization of the Games, with a view to the success of the competition and the projection of the country in the international sporting context. 
On February 27, the Technical Monitoring Committee met with the Prime Minister, Xanana Gusmão, and reinforced the CPLP's commitment to working with East Timor to ensure the success of the competition. It also called for the mobilization of all sectors of society to ensure that the CPLP Sports Games are a celebration of sport and friendship between the Portuguese-speaking peoples. 
