Alcácer do Sal’s new Nautical Centre, dedicated to learning to row, aims to strengthen community ties to the Sado River with a municipal investment exceeding 940 thousand euros. Mayor Vítor Proença highlighted the river’s cultural heritage and role in goods transit. The Support Center for the Promotion and Enjoyment of the Sado River was inaugurated on Saturday, 22 February in an open ceremony.

Vítor Proença emphasised the historical significance of the Sado River, noting that it has long been a vital waterway for the transit of goods. “This is a facility that aims to take advantage of the Sado River, a river of cultures, given that all the transit of goods in ancient times was done via this river highway”, he shared.

The project was designed with the goal of making rowing accessible to the local population, particularly young people. "It was a project that was set in an Ecological Reserve area, on the banks of the river, and its construction did not require foundations, fitting perfectly into the area," explained Vítor Proença.

The centre includes three changing rooms, one for women, one for men, and another for specific needs, all equipped with showers, lockers, and bathrooms. It also provides motorboats, kayaks, canoes, 'yolles', Olympic 'skiffs', and 'biscuits' for people with reduced mobility. The centre will offer a variety of activities, such as rowing, canoeing, and stand-up paddle, supported by two senior sports technicians who will guide both students and the general public.

In addition to school programmes with Alcácer do Sal and Torrão schools, the centre welcomes associations involved in nautical activities. A new pier has been built on the north bank of the river to provide direct water access. "The new centre also aims to enhance the historic centre, boosting its revitalisation," the municipality noted, focusing on promoting the river's heritage and associated activities.