Paulo Pinheiro died in July at the age of 52
Paulo Pinheiro, the founder of the Algarve International Circuit (AIA) who passed away in July, has been posthumously awarded a Medal of Tourism Merit by the Portuguese government.
“The recognition of the work carried out by Paulo Pinheiro is entirely just considering his commitment and dream of making the Algarve one of the world’s biggest destinations for motorsports,” the Algarve’s regional development commission (CCDR Algarve) says in a statement.
As it explains, the Medal of Tourism Merit was created in 1969 to honour people and institutions who have contributed to the development of national tourism and the recognition of Portugal as a tourism destination.
Pinheiro’s contributions to the Algarve and Portugal will also be celebrated with the placement of a sculpture in his honour on the main access roundabout to the Algarve International Circuit in Portimão. The announcement was made by Portimão mayor, Álvaro Bila, last week.
“Paulo Pinheiro, a visionary figure who was passionate about motorsports, left a profound legacy in the Algarve region by turning AIA into one of the most important circuits in the world,” said Bila, adding that the sculpture will aim to pay tribute to the “lasting impact of his work and his dedication to sports and the promotion of Portimão on the international stage.”
Paulo Pinheiro died in France on July 10 at the age of 52, sparking an outpouring of tributes.
