Day 1

Today was a full and rewarding day for the students of the National Sports School. The morning began early with breakfast at 8:00 a.m., where everyone gathered to fuel up for the busy day ahead. The atmosphere was lively as the students chatted about their upcoming training sessions. At 10:00 a.m., the group headed out for their morning training. Our cycling students trained at the national velodrome, pushing themselves through intense laps and technique work, while the karate students practiced various techniques under the guidance of the Portuguese national team coach. Both groups showed great focus and determination as they worked to improve their skills. At 12:30 p.m., everyone met again for lunch. After the demanding morning sessions, the meal was a welcome chance to relax and recharge. The afternoon was a balanced mix of resting, study time and some free time, allowing the students to catch up on their schoolwork and enjoy a bit of rest before the evening’s activities. Later in the day, the students returned to training. Our cyclists experienced an intense outdoor session and the karate students went for an other session together with the national coach, this time in kumite. A member of the national team and other students also joined the class. The evening practice was energetic and motivating, with everyone supporting one another and learning from the experienced athletes around them. After a long and productive day, the students came back for a filling dinner. With tired muscles and a sense of accomplishment, they ended the evening by settling in for a well-deserved sleep, ready to take on another day of training and learning tomorrow.

Day 2

On the second day the National Sports School students woke up and gathered for breakfast at 8:00 a.m. Everyone was still feeling the effects of the previous day’s training, but spirits were high as they prepared for another active and productive day. At 10:00 a.m., the students headed out for their morning training sessions. The cyclists returned to the national velodrome where they continued to work on their speed, endurance, and technique on the track. Meanwhile, the karate students once again trained with the Portuguese national team coach, focusing on improving their forms, combinations, and discipline during both kata and kumite sessions. After the intense morning training, the students met for lunch at 1.00p.m. The meal gave them a chance to relax, recover, and share their experiences from the morning. In the afternoon, they spent some time studying and completing some schoolwork, followed by a short period of free time to rest, socialize, or simply unwind playing some billiards before the afternoon and evening sessions. Our young cyclists had an exciting experience on the Olympic BMX track with the national team, while our karate students had more kata technique sessions with the Portuguese national coach and kumite training with Portuguese students and members of the national team. The training was engaging and inspiring, with the students pushing themselves while also learning from the experienced athletes around them. The day concluded with a satisfying dinner back at the hotel. After another full day of training, learning, and teamwork, the students were ready for a well-earned rest and headed to bed, looking forward to what the next day would bring.

Day 3

Day three began once again with breakfast in the morning, giving the students a chance to gather their energy for the day ahead. The atmosphere was relaxed as everyone enjoyed the start of another exciting day at the National Sports School. After breakfast, the karate students took part in a calm and refreshing stretching and strengthening session outside by the pool. The session included a series of fun activities and games designed to improve balance, speed, and reflexes. It was an enjoyable way to train while also appreciating the beautiful surroundings. After the exercises, the karate group went on a scenic walk through the town, eventually reaching a playground that offered a stunning viewpoint overlooking the valley. The students took some time to enjoy the view and the peaceful atmosphere before heading back. Meanwhile, the cycling students had another demanding training session outdoors. Riding their mountain bikes, they trained on highly engaging hilly terrain.

After a healthy lunch, we were taken by coach to the beautiful city of Aveiro. The afternoon consisted of some cultural sightseeing, tasty snacks and free time for sightseeing. 

At dinner, our students were treated to a special buffet offering many delicious delights and a presentation of t-shirts by the Portuguese coaches and representatives.

All in all, this was a very exciting trip, packed with intense training and positive learning experiences!