"We now have a sports sector in the Azores of which we can be proud; we are a recognised "brand" nationally and internationally."

The statement was made by the Regional Director for Sport, who spoke at the solemn session to celebrate the 37th anniversary of the Fonte do Bastardo Youth Association on the island of Terceira on Sunday night.

Mentioning the example of this association, which has achieved significant results in regional and national volleyball competitions, António Gomes said that Azorean sport has evidenced a considerable evolution since the early days of autonomy, when the Region's participation in national sports competitions was limited to a "strange" participation in the qualifying round of the Portuguese football cup.

"Today, if we look into the situation of Azorean sports, we can recognise the dedication, competence and success of our athletes, coaches, referees and sports leaders," said the Regional Director.

"We also recognise the Azores' organisational skills and sports infrastructures, among others, that have allowed us to host competitions of different levels," added the government official.

António Gomes stressed that 9% of the Azorean population belongs to sports associations, recalling the national titles won in several sports. Moreover, the government official mentioned the creation of conditions for adapted sport, which has increased the practice of sport among people with disabilities.

According to António Gomes, the current situation of the regional sports sector is due to the fact that Azorean people are fond of sport and the long tradition of associations in the Region, either in sport or in other areas. In fact, there are 250 sports clubs in the archipelago.

The Regional Director also alluded to the difficult economic situation the country is facing, which requires taking options in the management of public funds, particularly regarding the new social problems. In this context, he called for a strict management of funds allocated to sports activities.