At the moment when “the sport that we practice and demonstrate in the Azores and from the Azores” was being celebrated, the President of the Regional Government took the opportunity to announce the creation of a sports excellence award to be established later this year in order to recognise and reward those who are good examples to be followed, and whose organizational logics is worthy of being distinguished.”

Carlos César spoke at the opening of the 9th Azorean Sports Gala that took place in Velas on São Jorge Island on Tuesday night. This marked the annual tribute that the Regional Government pays tribute to athletes, clubs, sports associations and sports agents that stood out the most.

Pointing out that there were more winners this year, the President said that “this only happens due to the strength of our sports associative movement, the dedication and the persistence of many as well as to the results and the achieved success.”

In fact, eighty-nine people were awarded at this Sports Gala and it should be noted the record number of clubs that have achieve considerable success in various sports which, in the face of scarce resources, small territory and reduced population, can only be the result of a rigorous and continuous work to promote the quality of sports, mentioned Carlos César.

The President of the Government defended the idea that it is also necessary a careful management of the clubs to ensure their sustainability, adding that he has drawn attention to the commitment of sports leaders in the safeguard of the institutions  managed by them.

“But this appeal is not limited to these people as all citizens linked to those organizations even as members should demand transparency and hold accountable those who by neglecting their duties destroy association with history and social relevance,” stated Carlos César.

The inflected damage, continued the President of the Government, “one cannot always count on the public entities to repair the liabilities, with the money we all pay, these acts of madness and negligent management.”

Bearing in mind the funding established by law for the clubs that have achieved results and a considerable notoriety in some sports, Carlos César defended that each club must find and select, in addition to its training duties, the potential areas of excellence among all sports.

“This is, in my opinion, the best sports management which is best suited to the capacities of each club because not all clubs can compete at the highest level in all demanding and expensive sports,” stated the President of the Government.

If they do so, “many clubs will find competitive niches in which they will achieve success and, in this context, they may attract the support of private sponsors and institutional investors.”