Football is Medicine 2026: CMF Conference in Madeira

The CMF hosted the opening of the “Football is Medicine 2026 Conference”. It is “a scientific event of international dimension that brings together researchers, academics and sports agents to debate the role of football and sport in promoting health and well-being”, according to the Municipality’s description.

The ceremony took place in the Noble Hall and was attended by several entities.

On the occasion, councilor Helena Leal, responsible for Health and Sports, said that Funchal is “proud” to be recognized as a ‘Sports Friendly City’, defending sport as an essential tool for inclusion, health, education and social cohesion.

Helena Leal highlighted the municipal strategy based on continuous investment in the creation and requalification of sports infrastructures, support for the associative movement and the promotion of municipal programs, in partnership with other entities, which promote physical activity throughout the entire life cycle, from childhood to the senior population.

He also referred to the essential role of local authorities in promoting healthy lifestyles, mentioning that it is in proximity to citizens that real conditions are created for accessible, regular and inclusive sports.

“Local authorities are privileged agents in implementing public policies that link sport to health, education and quality of life”, he said. The mayor referred to the existence of several municipal structures with around 2,700 monthly visitors that promote senior physical activity.

Addressing the theme of the conference, Helena Leal highlighted that scientific and international events such as Football is Medicine 2026 demonstrate that sport goes far beyond competition, becoming an instrument for preventing disease, promoting mental well-being, active aging and social inclusion.

Helena Leal reaffirmed the commitment of the Municipality of Funchal to continue supporting initiatives such as these, which promote the sharing of knowledge and constitute a decisive contribution to the “design” of increasingly effective municipal policies.

This initiative is organized by the University of Madeira, through the Department of Physical Education and Sports, in partnership with the Funchal City Council, among other entities.