The Regional Director for Sport stated in Madalena that sport, given its characteristics and the current reality of the Azores, "can and should" contribute to the "active development" of other social intervention areas.
António Gomes spoke Sunday at the prize-delivery ceremony of the 28th Three Kings' Day Race. On the occasion, he stressed that sport has "clearly a word to say" in improving the quality of life and well-being of citizens, covering areas such as health, tourism as well as other social and economic sectors.
The Three Kings' Day Race, held in São Mateus, Pico Island, is "a good demonstration of the transverse nature of sport." Therefore, it deserves the recognition of the Regional Directorate for Sport as an event of relevant promotional interest.
The Regional Director also noted that, through this sports initiative, more than 400 people, including athletes and all those accompanying them, will become the "ambassadors" of the Azores, their natural beauty and, above all, of the hospitality of their people.
For António Gomes, the competitive environment that involves the Three Kings' Day Race is based on ethical, integration, tolerance and collaboration principals, combined with organisational rigour.
This race is one of the most important road sports events held in the Azores. It is also considered an event of excellence at national level that involves nearly 1,300 participants, of whom more than 300 are from outside the Region.
Besides the formal participation of a large number of athletes belonging to sports clubs, including prominent personalities in the national athletics scene, the Three Kings' Day Race deserves the recognition of the Regional Directorate for Sport for including an activity intended to promote physical activity among the population in general. Indeed, the event begins with an opening walk designated as "Walk ... for your health," which is a clear sign of greater global awareness for the importance of sport in promoting the quality of life of the population.
The event is also relevant insofar as it organises the event "Family Race - Keep up with your Child" under the promotional campaign designated as "Ethics in Azorean Sport." The initiative, aimed at youngsters, challenges the active participation of adults, namely, the family in the promotion of sports habits from young ages, which are expected to last throughout life. Moreover, it also disseminates a positive environment in the practice of sports among children and young people.