By Daniel Etchells

The Portuguese National Paralympic Committee has appointed secretary general Rui Oliveira as its Chef de Mission for Rio 2016 ©CPPThe Portuguese National Paralympic Committee (CPP) has appointed secretary general Rui Oliveira as its Chef de Mission for Rio 2016.


Oliveira has extensive experience of working in sport for people with an impairment and has recently helped form the structure of the CPP's Rio 2016 Paralympic Preparation Programme.


The Programme is a nationwide project designed to support training and preparation for the next edition of the Paralympic Games.


In order to fund it, the CPP were recently awarded a grant by the Portuguese branch of SGS, the world's leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company.


Portugal will be one of approximately 170 countries taking part at Rio 2016, with more than 4,200 athletes expected to compete for medals from September 8 to 17.


Portugal's Lenine Cunha won bronze in the men's long jump F20 at the London 2012 Paralympic Games ©Getty ImagesPortugal's Lenine Cunha won a bronze medal in the men's long jump F20 at London 2012 ©Getty Images





The country recorded their worst-ever result at a Paralympic Games when they travelled to London in 2012, winning just three medals.


For the first time since their debut Games in 1972, the team failed to secure a gold medal, winning a silver in the mixed pairs BC3 boccia contest, as well as bronze in the men's long jump F20, through Lenine Cunha, and mixed individual BC3 boccia, courtesy of José Macedo.


João Paulo Fernandes struck gold in the mixed individual BC1 boccia at Beijing 2008, where Portugal claimed seven medals in total, including four silver and two bronze. 


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Portuguese National Paralympic Committee receives grant to aid Rio 2016 preparations