After the announcement last week that Portugal would not participate in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2016, the disappointment was triggered. But the will of a fan to see his country in Stockholm next year remains undeterred.

The Portuguese broadcaster RTP confirmed last week that Portugal would not send an entry to the Eurovision Song Contest 2016.

After the initial shock, one Portuguese Eurovision Fan has stood up and started a crowdfunding campaign intended to collect the money that is estimated as necessary for financing a Portuguese participation in 2016, as we learned from FormulaTV.

The intention of Claudio Poiares, the fan behind this initiative, is to obtain 250000€ so that RTP can be compelled to change its mind about the decision, as this amount is believed to cover for the entry selection and the participation.

This is not just a song contest. It’s the stage where we can share our origin, our culture, our beliefs our strength in a 3-minute song, he wrote pointing out the reasons why he believes that Portugal should participate.

Should the goal not be reached, the money will be donated to the non-profit organization Casa do Artista, which supports artists and arts in Portugal.

Portugal first participated in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1964. The country counts 48 participations and was absent in 1970, 2000, 2002 and 2013. Its best position so far was a sixth place obtained by Lúcia Moniz singing O meu coração não tem cor in 1996.

Portugal was represented in the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 by Leonor Andrade with Há um mar que nos separa.

Will the campaign succeed? Share your thoughts and get back to ESCtoday.com for more news on the Eurovision Song Contest.