WORK HAS just begun on the construction of an indoor sports arena in the Penha area of Faro, an investment worth over two million euros. News of the sports facility, which should be ready to open by January 2006, has been warmly welcomed by the borough’s many sports clubs, coaches and athletes.
The Pavilhão Gimnodesportivo, as it is known, has been a dream for decades and, although Faro Câmara began preparing the details of the project in 2002, it was only possible to begin the construction this month. The total value of the works is 2,115,000 euros, of which 1,200,394.34 euros are derived from European Community funding.
The new sports arena will have a maximum seating capacity of 1,500 and a great variety of sports will be practised, including netball, basketball, volleyball, badminton, gymnastics and combat sports.
The concept of the building takes environmental concerns into consideration, therefore, it has been decided that solar energy will be used. Facilities will also include six changing rooms, each one including a unit that has been especially designed for use by the disabled. There will be a medical treatment post and waiting room, doctor’s office and a room for drug tests.
The sports arena will be a fundamental element of Parque Desportivo e de Lazer de Faro. The complex includes the municipal swimming pools and the headquarters of the Algarve Football Association (already existing), an athletics track (construction begins in two to three weeks), football pitch, skating ramp and a four star hotel.
