In order to achieve strategic goal towards the coordination of policies, the Government of the Azores, through the through the Regional Directorates for Sport, Public Works, Inland Transport and Communications, and for Forest Resources, is promoting the implementation of Outdoor Physical Activity Stations.
Each station will be provided with a set of devices for the practice of physical exercise. Despite being addressed at a people older than 14, these devices may some adapted in order to be used by younger participants.
Altogether, 10 physical exercise devices will be installed in each station; they are designed to work all muscles evenly, strengthen the cardiovascular system and improve motor skills.
These devices were chosen given the possibility of being built using endogenous resources and local workforce, with lower costs.
According to the Regional Directorates involved in the project, the design and construction of these apparatus was intended to cause a low visual impact. With a simple design, they are environmentally friendly, as most of which are built with natural materials like wood, and may be easily recycled.
These Outdoor Physical Activity Stations are part of a programme designed intended to promote physical activity, thus fulfilling the goals defined in the Government's Programme: " reinforce the individual role of each citizen in the pursuit of an active and healthy life and; in this context, the Government's action should be addressed at the promotion of this goal over the course of their lives."
The stations consist of a series of apparatus that will benefit school-aged population, athletes, tourists and citizens in general. The station installed at the Laranjeiras Sports Complex is already operational and the remaining will be progressively installed at the sports parks under the administration of Sports Services.
Moreover, these stations will contribute to the redevelopment and revitalisation of public spaces under ValorUrbe.
In this regard, the Government also aims to install stations in public areas under its administration, such as parks and leisure areas, in order to promote their use by the population.
The Outdoor Physical Education Station project may be promoted and implemented by interested parties, including local authorities. Those who are interested in disseminating this initiative will receive the "construction manual" of the stations. The measure aims to create a true Azorean sports culture based on the individual recognition of its importance and the promotion of cooperation, mutual support and partnership between public and private institutions in order to foster the practice of several sports.