The Government of the Azores, through the Regional Director for Communities, organises the 1st Immigrant Meeting in Azorean Sport on Faial island on September 28 and 29.

The initiative, which will be held at the premises of Amor da Pátria Society in Horta, is intended to highlight the contribution made by immigrants to the development of sport in the Azores as well as to stress the positive role played by sport in promoting multiculturalism and respect for differences.

The meeting will gather 70 athletes, sports leaders and speakers. The programme features the lectures delivered by Mário Lino, a former football player from Faial and the Sporting Clube de Portugal coach; António Raposo, who will discuss the topic of Sports Medicine; Rui Santos, whose lecture will address the contribution provided by immigrants in Azorean sports clubs; Paulo Barreto Oliveira, the coach of Clube Desportivo Ribeirense and Bruno Pereira, who will address the theme "Nutrition for Sport." The AIPA and Cresaçor Associations will also deliver lectures at the event.

The opening session will be presided over by the Regional Director for Communities and is scheduled for September 28 at the premises of Amor da Pátria Society at 10 AM. On the same day, the Regional Director for Sport will deliver a conference under the title "Sport in the Azores: Participation opportunities for all" at 2 PM.

The program includes also includes some moments of leisure, including the presentation of the book "A Escola e o Jogo - Uma Viagem pelo Património Lúdico Açoriano" (School and Games - A Journey through Azorean Game Heritage) by Nelson Reis; the presentation of a children's Ballet show featuring immigrant children and teacher Diva Silva; a aerobics class with Brazilian teacher Raquel Mendonça and a performance by Cape Verdean artist Alexandre Delgado.