World Sport for All approves three new individual members

World Sport for All has approved three new individual members: João Manuel da Costa Alegre Afonso, Eugénio de Oliveira Lopes and Leonardo Cunha. Their membership will be submitted for ratification at the organisation’s next General Assembly in Türkiye.

The three members bring experience from national and international sport organisations, Olympic structures, sports administration, education and development. Their professional backgrounds span leadership in national sports bodies, federation governance, international sport, and programmes that use sport to support social development.

João Manuel da Costa Alegre Afonso is President of the São Tomé and Príncipe Olympic Committee and has held senior positions in national, continental and international sport. His experience includes leadership roles in the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA), the African Canoeing Confederation and the International Canoe Federation. He has also served as São Tomé and Príncipe’s Secretary of State for Youth and Sports. His profile connects the national Olympic movement with continental and international sports governance.

Eugénio de Oliveira Lopes currently serves as Secretary-General of the Guinea-Bissau Olympic Committee and previously served as President of the Guinea-Bissau Handball Federation. A lecturer in sports sociology at the National School of Physical Education and Sports, he brings experience in sports administration, federation leadership and education. His background reflects the role of national Olympic committees, sports federations and educators in developing sport systems and strengthening their institutions.

Leonardo Cunha is a sports-management and development professional whose work has included roles with the Cape Verde Olympic Committee, the Association of Olympic Committees of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (ACOLOP), and organisations focused on social development and sport. He has managed projects and programmes in areas including club and stadium development, licensing, sport for social impact and organisational strategy. His experience highlights the contribution of project management and cross-sector partnerships to building more effective and inclusive sport systems.

The approval of the three members reflects World Sport for All’s commitment to bringing together people with complementary experience across the sport system. Their membership will take effect subject to ratification by the General Assembly in Türkiye.