Madeiran vocalist Katia Aveiro is an ambassador for Funchal 2016, due to take place from April 30 to May 7.

"It's such a great honour to sing the anthem of my country, which I love so much, in my native island, with its sea, its people and at an event that I admire so much," said Aveiro on her blog.  

"This is a dream I did not even know would come true.

"You start to get nervous.

"You know I do not like to leave anything to chance so I have started the preparations to ensure everything runs perfectly."

Portugal captain Ronaldo, who currently plays his club football for Spanish giants Real Madrid, was born in Funchal in February 1985. 

About 450 swimmers representing 50 countries are set to compete at the IPC Swimming European Open Championships, which will be staged at the Complexo Olimpico de Piscinas da Penteada.

The competition is considered one of the most important swimming events organised in Portugal.

Tickets are available free of charge for all spectators and can be downloaded at the event website by clicking here.

The host country are due to be well represented in Funchal. 

Five Portuguese swimmers have already secured their place at this year’s Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

The quintet is made up of Simone Fragoso, David Grachat, David Carreira, João Pina and Nelson Lopes.