The Government of the Azores promotes the 2nd Race for Interculturalism on May 8, an initiative organised by the Regional Directorates for Communities and Sport that will take place in São Roque do Pico at 10 AM.
This initiative counts on the collaboration of Pico Athletics Association and has the support of São Roque Town Hall. It aims to promote cultural diversity through the practice of sport as well as socialisation, knowledge and respect among different peoples and cultures.
Former international athlete Naide Gomes will sponsor this year's race. She became world champion in indoor long jump in Budapest (2004) and Valencia (2008), and European champion in Madrid (2005) and Birmingham (2007).
A native of São Tomé and Principe, Naide Gomes won five silver medals and a bronze medal in world and European championships between 2002 and 2011. She also participated in the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, where she took the 6th place.
The Race for Interculturalism is divided into four categories: "Walk for all" (1.2 kilometres long); "Level I" (1.2 kilometres long) for participants aged between 8 and 12 years; "Level II" (1.2 kilometres long) for participants aged between 13 and 16 years; "Level III" (7.8 kilometres long) for participants over 17 years.
The first edition held in the municipality of Madalena last year involved one hundred athletes. The race is open to all those who are interested in participating.
The gathering of participants is scheduled for 9 AM at the beginning of Avenida do Mar in São Roque do Pico.