The Regional Secretary for Education and Training highlighted on Friday morning the role of sport as a “fundamental part of the education and balanced development” of Azorean children and youngsters.

 Cláudia Cardoso spoke at the press conference to present the 10th Azorean Sports Gala which will honour 101 athletes, sports managers, sports clubs and associations as well as other entities in the sports sector. The event will take place on the island of Graciosa on June 19.
 
The Secretary recalled that “at a time when inactivity is intensifying, raising Azorean athletes to prominence at a national level is a reason for satisfaction as it demonstrates that sport still remains as an important part of the lives of young Azoreans.”

In this context, said Cláudia Cardoso, “Azorean schools have provided an important contribution whether by promotion school sport or by joining initiatives such as the School Sports Games, among others.”

In addition to the activities developed in school context, “the work carried out by sports associations, clubs and other agents on all Azores islands” has also provided an important contribution to the promotion of sports.

Cláudia Cardoso also praised the achievements of Azorean athletes, stressing that many of them are national champions in individual or collective sports. 

Furthermore, the Regional Secretary mentioned the national titles won by Azorean athletes in the following sports categories: Track and Field (4), Motor Racing (1), Equestrian Sports (dressage) (1), Golf (1), Judo (1), Karate (1), Roller Skating (1),  Kickboxing (12) and Swimming (1), bringing a total of 23 cups and national championships to the Region.

It is also important to mention the excellent results achieved by Azorean athletes in adapted sport, six of whom have won the national championships in the track and field and swimming categories. This fact has reinforced the participation of Azorean athletes in national teams in several sports.

Hence, the Regional Secretary stated that “the results achieved by regional athletes are increasingly a motive of pride. But, besides the results, we must stress the vital contribution of sport to the promotion of a healthy lifestyle.”

Given the importance of sport has in the “education and balanced development of Azorean children and youngsters,” Cláudia Cardoso assured that the Azorean Government will continue to “invest intensely in the promotion of sport among young Azoreans, thus ensuring the future.