Millennium bcp has just become the Official Bank of the World Surf League's (WSL) events in Portugal, and sponsor of the promising surfer Teresa Bonvalot, a three-time national champion who represented Portugal at the 2020 Olympic Games and who ended the year in 22nd place in the Women's Challenger Series Ranking.
The announcement of this partnership was made today by Millennium bcp and WSL Portugal, alongside Teresa Bonvalot, at an event in Nazaré, in the Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo.
"We are very pleased to be associated with surfing in Portugal. It is an ecological sport, which requires dexterity and respect for the sea, and which captivates more and more practitioners, given the exceptional conditions Portugal has for the sport," said Miguel Maya, CEO of Millennium bcp. "By supporting surfing, we are also valuing a very important strategic resource in Portugal, which is the sea in all its dimensions, including leisure, work, science and innovation. It is in this wave of healthy lifestyle habits, in which human interaction preserves and values nature, that diversity abounds and there is space for all ages to live together, in a context that rewards daring and values risk; this is a dynamic with which Millennium bcp identifies itself, so the association with this sport and with the Olympian Teresa Bonvalot reflects the importance Millennium bcp gives to people and the environment."
Miguel Maya
Chairman
of the Executive Committee
"We are very proud to announce this partnership with Millennium bank and with the certainty that this is the beginning of a lasting relationship," said Francisco Spinóla, General Manager of WSL Portugal. "It makes perfect sense to combine surfing with brands with tradition and know-how in sports, and now specifically with this sport, which has shown a marked growth not only in fans but also a direct impact on the country's tourism and economy and its international visibility."
"I am very happy and proud to be Millennium bcp's ambassador for surfing, especially as we share the same values, namely the desire to achieve more, the desire to overcome challenges with resilience to win in the future, respecting the environment and focusing on sustainability," said Teresa Bonvalot. "Having the support of the largest Portuguese private bank, 'my bank,' motivates me even more to work and strive to exceed my goals"
The sport of surfing has evolved at a very expressive pace worldwide, growing year after year, with an increase of 40% in the last 12 years, currently counting around 120 million fans and 35 million surfers worldwide.
The WSL has been at the forefront of professional surfing since its creation in 1976, with a presence in 21 countries, more than 250 events held and more than 2,200 athletes represented. In Portugal it organizes five events: the Nazaré Tow Surfing Challenge 2022, the MEO Portugal Pro in Peniche, the Pro Santa Cruz, the Caparica Surf Fest Pro and the EDP Vissla Pro Ericeira.
