The Regional Director for Communities stressed in São Roque do Pico the commitment of the Azorean society in "the continuous promotion of the integration of immigrants" living in the archipelago.
 
"The important role of the host community is relevant in the success of the full integration of immigrants and the promotion of interculturalism in the Azores," said Paulo Teves.
 
"Each one of us must act as a social mediator with regard to migrants, so that we can have an increasingly cohesive and inclusive society," added the Regional Director.
 
Paulo Teves spoke at the delivery of the prizes of the 2nd Race for Interculturalism. The Regional Director stressed the support of the Azorean Government to several organisations and individual promoters of the Region, which he considered to be "relevant in the promotion and implementation of initiative that encourage the healthy socialisation between peoples and cultures as well as in the response to the needs of immigrants."
 
The government official pointed out the Portuguese Language Courses for Immigrant, which were attended by 160 participants residing on several islands; the "Azores: sea of cultures" contest, an initiative directed to students so that they enhance their knowledge on the immigration phenomenon; the annual support granted to the activities developed by the Azores Immigrant Associations and the Migrant Support Office of Cresaçor, among others, as well as to several projects." According to Paulo Teves, these are some of the example of the Regional Government's commitment to contribute to the dynamics and cooperation with society in terms of inclusive policies in the archipelago."
 
The Race for Interculturalism is promoted by the Government of the Azores, through the Regional Directorates for Communities and Sport, in partnership with Pico Athletics Association and with the support of São Roque Town Hall. The event aimed to promote the cultural diversity on this island, home to immigrants from more than thirty nationalities, encouraging the practice of sport and the adoption of healthy living habits.
 
"In this initiative we were able to see a truly cultural convergence, thus fulfilling the fundamental goal of being together without language, cultural or age barriers," stressed the Regional Director.
 
The race took place today on the island of Pico and featured the participation of about 100 athletes, divided into three age groups, and included a walk.
 
The Race for Interculturalism was sponsored by former international athlete Naide Gomes. She became world champion in indoor long jump in Budapest (2004) and Valencia (2008), and European champion in Madrid (2005) and Birmingham (2007).

A native of São Tomé and Principe, Naide Gomes won five silver medals and a bronze medal in world and European championships between 2002 and 2011. She also participated in the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, where she took the 6th place.