FC Porto’s organizational tradition goes back to 1982, when an endless string of events ensued; from congresses, European championships, Ibero-American and world cups, European cup seats and exhibitions. With this year’s World Cup, the number of such cups organized will be 10, all successfully, handsomely presented to the audience and with a complete media coverage, especially by the Portuguese TV. In all, the club organized an impressive total of 35 events.
I have had the opportunity to enjoy top billiards at many of these events and today I am meeting Alipio Jorge. He is a well-known member of the grand billiards family and works fully dedicated to billiards, managing a team led by Manuela, who makes these events possible.
Q. FC Porto has a long and grand tradition in organizing sports events in the field of billiards. How do you manage to maintain such constancy throughout all those years?
AJ- FC Porto’s organizational success in billiards stems primarily from the “FC Porto” brand and its president, Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa. However, he also put together a group of dedicated people and billiards fans, with Manuela as its prime example, to pull off this project, which is unique in the world!
Q. The current economic situation is weighing large on the sports calendar of any association. That is why this new FC Porto initiative is all the more impressive. Who are the principle sponsors of the World Cup?
AJ- FC Porto’s billiards has been incorporated into a public limited company with many shareholders. We still have sponsors who are very important. Don’t forget that the events we organize have approximately 30 hours of TV coverage, 12 to 15 hours of which are broadcast live.
Q. Alipio Jorge, player and organizer. You have obviously enjoyed both aspects since many years, but which do you enjoy the most?
AJ- Playing is definitely more enjoyable. But in all fairness, in the first place I dedicate my efforts and responsibilities to being an organizer.
Q. We are all looking forward to this World Cup. Do you have any message for the fans and players?
AJ- We put all of our passion into organizing this event and we hope that they will enjoy our city and this great event to the fullest.
Fernando Requena.
UMB.